The Rules of the Game: Jutland and British Naval Command - Softcover

Gordon, Andrew

4.37

383 ratings by Goodreads

9780719561313: The Rules of the Game: Jutland and British Naval Command

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0719561310 ISBN 13: 9780719561313

Publisher: John Murray, 2005

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When hundreds of warships belonging to the two most powerful fleets in the world clashed off the coast of Denmark in 1916, the encounter had the potential to reshape the political map forever. However, there were devastating failures of communication and command and, while the Battle of Jutland met Britain's strategic need for continued maritime dominance, the Royal Navy failed to crush its numerically inferior German opponent. The encounter has remained an enduring source of controversy ever since. A remarkable saga of genius, tragedy, and passive corruption emerges. In telling this remarkable story of Nelsonic pragmatism overwhelmed by peacetime vested interests, Andrew Gordon shows what had changed for the worse in the "rules of the game" during a long century of peace, and draws fascinating and challenging conclusions.

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About the Author:

Andrew Gordon began his investigation of Jutland in the late 1980s. He has a PhD in War Studies and is the author of an acclaimed exploration of naval policy and administration in the 1920s and 1930s.

Review:

'Anyone who is interested in warfare or the Royal Navy should read this stunningly original account of the 1916 Battle of Jutland and "the reasons why". Gordon is a compelling storyteller, and his weighty tome should frighten no one. It is a classic of the genre.' -- Sir Max Hastings, Evening Standard 'Paperback of t 20000925 'For all naval historians, riveting reading' -- Christopher Andrew, Sunday Telegraph 20000925 'The Rules of the Game is the best book I have read for months ... Gordon researches brilliantly and writes compellingly. His fans are now clamouring for him to write another big book. He is much too good to be allowed to rest on his laurels.' -- The Spectator 20001104 'They don't come much better than this' -- Alan Judd 20001104 'A superb study of military culture' -- Jeremy Black, History Today 20001104 'The most profound study of Jutland this reviewer has ever read' -- Antony Preston, Warship 20001104 'For those who love the epic of sea power ... unputdownable' -- William Waldegrave 20001104 'Does far more than just chart the Battle of Jutland' -- The Times 20050809 'A marvellous work ... a rare combination of major substance and easy accessibility' -- Jon Sumida, American Neptune 20050809

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