Overview

Gallons of ink have been used analyzing Adm. Alfred Thayer Mahan's thoughts, his naval theories, and his contribution to sea power. One vital aspect of his life, however, has been ignored or misunderstood by many scholars: his religious faith. Mahan was a professing Christian who took his faith with the utmost seriousness, and as a result, his worldview was inherently Christian. He wrote and spoke extensively on religious issues, a point frequently ignored by many historians. This is a fundamental mistake, for a deeper and more accurate understanding of Mahan as a person and as a naval theorist can be gained by a meaningful examination of his religious beliefs. God and Sea Power is the first work to examine in a detailed and contextual way how Mahan's faith influenced his views on war, politics, and foreign relations.

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9781612518435

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Reviews

.. . delivers useful insights into Alfred Thayer Mahan from an understudied perspective and represents an essential companion to earlier general biographies. Journal of Military History

By delving into Mahan's religious and family life and their influence on his world outlook, Geissler has produced a work destined to become the standard biography of the great naval theorist. The Mahan of this sophisticated, balanced, and nuanced study differs significantly from the misfit young naval officer, imperialist, and militarist depicted by Robert Seager and the one-dimensional author described by William D. Puleston, both of whom either ignored or failed to understand the depth and impact of Mahan's Episcopalian faith. --James C. Bradford, professor of history, Texas A&M University

Author Information

Suzanne Geissler holds master's degrees in history and theology from Rutgers University and Drew University, respectively. She received her PhD in history from Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Geissler is professor of history at William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey.

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