The Historian of Power, Progress, and the Human Condition

“A splendid history of the British Royal Navy. . . . Herman writes extremely well. . . . Good one-volume histories of one of the world’s most vital fighting forces appear rarely; this one should rule for a while to come.”

“A rarely told industrial saga, rich with particulars of the growing pains and eventual triumphs of American industry . . . Arthur Herman has set out to right an injustice: the loss, down history’s memory hole, of the epic achievements of American business in helping the United States and its allies win World War II.”

“Examining mathematics, politics, theology, and architecture, the book demonstrates the continuing relevance of the ancient world.”

“A learned study of the concept of decline since the Enlightenment, sure to generate widespread discussion and debate.”

“A riveting story of some 400 years of British naval mastery—the great battles, the courageous sailors, and the often fanatical admirals—that serves as an especially timely reminder that national purpose and unity, coupled with a sense of self-sacrifice and heritage, really do win wars and keep the peace.”

“A combative corrective to the view of McCarthy as red-baiting demagogue that finds the true villains in the liberal establishment and the mainstream media.”