| To Rule the Waves: How the British Navy Shaped the Modern World (P.S.) | 
 enlarge | Author: Arthur Herman
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Category: Book
List Price: $15.95
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Avg. Customer Rating:  54 reviews
Sales Rank: 52471
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 688
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.5
Dimensions (in): 8 x 5.4 x 1.5
ISBN: 0060534257
Dewey Decimal Number: 941
EAN: 9780060534257
ASIN: 0060534257
Publication Date: November 1, 2005
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| Customer Reviews:
 "To Rule the Waves" is readable but wrong. May 8, 2006
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
Many other reviewers of this book have noted the large number of proofing errors and historical errors it contains. I noticed them myself but was willing to tolerate them because the author has a breezy narrative style I found quite readable--his description of how a ship 'warps out' from a harbor turned out to be necessary, as both my wife and daughter immediately thought in terms of 'warp speed' from Star Trek. However, I suddenly ran head-first into an egregious mistake that I nearly could not believe I'd read: Page 498, "Admiral Sir Ian Hamilton took on the Dardanelles forts", etc. No. No, no no no no no NO. Sir Ian was a general who eventually ended-up commanding the land forces at the Dardanelles, although he was relieved of this command. He was never in the Navy. Vice Admiral S.H. Carden was the first naval commander of the fleet at the Dardanelles, in a string of several.
If I am assured that Herman's history is more accurate concerning the earlier chapters of British naval development, then I am forced to say that his history and understanding of the "modern" British navy, beginning with the introduction of steam and armored warships, is very weak, and that his understanding of the naval side of World War I is even weaker. For those interested in this period of history, Robert Massie's books "Dreadnought" and "Castles of Steel" are just a readable, if not more so, and far more accurate and understanding, with a wealth of political and technical background which Herman clearly does not grasp.
 One of the best April 15, 2006
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Not only is Herman extremely knowledgeable about his topic, he is also an engaging writer. Probably one of the better written histories that I've read.
A REFRESHING LOOK AT BRITISH NAVAL HISTORY March 24, 2006
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
Bravo for Mr. Herman! His perspective on the affect of the British raj and, in particular, the navy on the development of the Western world is excellent and educational. The phenomenon of a relatively small nation exerting its influence around the globe by extending its power through a superbly constructed and manned navy is, as yet, unmatched. For fully two centuries, until World War II finally exhausted the potential, the British policy of open sea lanes and its enforcement thereof permitted the development of the New World through trade with the Old. This includes the United States, whose loss as a colony severely dented the Empire, but eventiually created the power which has succeeded Britain as world guarantor.
Mr. Herman is good on detail, but the real strength of the book is his explanation of how naval development and use affected the world as a whole. He is candid about the problems, both physical and political, and respectful of those individuals who, even in bad times, retained the foresight to keep the navy, and, thus, the Empire, on an even keel.
An excellent read for anyone interested in Western history.
Interesting but disturbingly inaccurate. January 11, 2006
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
Mr. Herman's paean to the British Navy overall was an interesting read. My concern was how accurate it is. Herman wrote that during the War of 1812 the British first captured Baltimore then burned Washington DC. Well Baltimore was never captured during the War of 1812. Does Herman remember the story of the Star Bangled Banner and Fort McHenry? Additionally Washington DC was burned first then the British sought to vanquish Baltimore. When I read such a gaffe in a history book it makes me question the accuracy of the entire book. I also found it disturbing that Herman minimizes the Battle of Trafalgar, and blames Japanese intervention into the war on the Americans! He seems to think that if the US had not placed an embargo on petroleum then perhaps the Japanese would not have attacked the British at Singapore or the Americans at Pearl Harbor. Herman conveniently omits the atrocities of the Japanese and their imperialistic provocations. I find the 2nd half of the book rather sketchy. I also find his summations or conclusions rather vacuous.
Entertaining and Educational December 11, 2005
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
To Rule the Waves is one of those rare books that you find very entertaining and at the same time really learn the subject. After reading, "To Rule the Waves" I really learned a lot about the British Navy. I also really enjoyed reading this book. It was like reading an exciting novel. In short, if you want to read a great book that reads like a novel and really learn about the history of not only England, but its navy as well get this book. This book was time and money well spent.
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