This publication is based on the five-volume work of the German admiral Alfred Stenzel, “The History of Wars at Sea in its most important manifestations from the point of view of naval tactics,” published in Petrograd (1916-1919).

First volume covers the period from the beginning of navigation in antiquity to the first Anglo-Dutch war (1652-1654). It is dedicated to the era of the overwhelming dominance of rowing ships at sea and the emergence of the first sailing fleets. The reader will become acquainted with all the famous battles, from Salamis to the famous attack of Tromp the Elder at Dover. Vivid characteristics of naval commanders, a lively description of battles and the main types of warships will enrich the reader's understanding of bygone eras of naval rivalry.

The second volume is devoted to the history of naval wars from 1660 to 1900. This was the time of huge combat sailing ships, the dominance of linear tactics and the emergence of a new type of ship, powered by steam and protected by armor. This period of maritime history is interesting because it clearly demonstrates the acceleration of human thought and the turning point in human history that began in the twentieth century and continues to this day. Routine and progress, practice and theory, chance and regularity are the main dilemmas of our era.