The famous historian and naval officer Alfred Mahan provides an in-depth analysis of the significant events of the era of navigation that occurred from 1660 to 1783. As a theoretical basis, he chose the most successful naval strategies of the past - from Ancient Greece and Rome to Napoleonic France. Mahan pays close attention to the tactically significant qualities of each type of ship (galleys, fire ships, destroyers), the concentration points of ships, and their battle formation. Weaknesses in defense and the art of naval management are also listed. The book cites rare documents and maps. This classic work had a strong influence on the minds of statesmen of many world powers.