Mahan, Alfred T.

8vo (225 x 154mm.), first edition, 25 diagrams and maps (one folding), publisher's blue cloth, spine gilt-lettered, pictorial vignette of Spanish galleon in gilt on upper cover, top edge gilt, blue half morocco gilt slipcase and chemise, some minor rubbing to covers

Henry Cabot Lodge, bookplate, presentation inscription, and signature on title-page

Grolier, American 93

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate
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Mahan's classic treatment of the importance of sea power in world history. Henry Cabot Lodge's copy, inscribed by Mahan, "With the author's respect" on the front flyleaf. Lodge, who had just been re-elected to Congress when Mahan's book came out, was to be a major influence on American affairs.

"This historical work was the first to go beyond traditional battle descriptions, and to develop, by showing the inter-relation of naval and political history, the first philosophy of sea power. The slow strangulation by blockade, of which the author had first-hand knowledge from his Civil War experience, was given its proper strategic emphasis for layman and professional alike" (Grolier Club).

Mahan's book was influential not only in America, but in Britain, Germany, and Japan.