This collection of essays was first published in 1974, and the fact that it remains relevant today is a testament to Marder's legacy as arguably the greatest naval historian of the 20th century. Readability is part of what made Marder such an excellent historian, and it is displayed perfectly in this collection. Focusing less on abstract forces and more on human influence, Marder creates a book as accessible to the layman as it is interesting to the historian.