The Rules of the Game: Jutland and British Naval Command Hardcover - 1996

a5plus thick plum silver txt: John Murray, 1996. Hardcover. Used: Acceptable. Condition good, no dust jacket. ref ZKVQ Review "The most profound study of Jutland this reviewer has ever read." Antony Preston. (Warship) 'Explosive' (Navy News) "A superb study of military culture." Jeremy Black (History Today) "For all naval historians, riveting reading." Christopher Andrew. (Sunday Telegraph) "A marvellous work ... a rare combination of major substance and easy accessibility." Jon Sumida. (American Neptune) Book Description This work describes the course of the Battle of Jutland in May 1916. At the same time, it shows why the battle became a source of controversy, as the author reveals conflicting styles of command, a Victorian suffocation of Nelsonic values, and pragmatism overwhelmed by vested peacetime interests. From the Publisher The most remarkable work of naval history in years. This is the most remarkable work of naval history in years, probably decades. Its significance goes far beyond the Navy, even beyond the military, since the fundamental points it makes could be adapted to many activities and organizations. In brief, Gordon offers an analysis of the gulf that developed between those in the 19th-century naval hierarchy who advocated central control in battle, with a view to maximising effectiveness, and those who encouraged individual initiative and aggression, on the grounds that all battles quickly become a fog of confusion in which attempts at central direction are simply unrealistic. He shows us the gulf widening during the long peace (for the Royal Navy) following Trafalgar, and its catastrophic effect on the British fleet at Jutland which employed both approaches at once. Rules of the Game combines brilliant analysis with magnificently lucid and stirring accounts of actual warfare. Rules of the Game was the first winner of the Westminster Medal for Military History, and also winner of the Longman/History Today Award. About the Author Andrew Gordon began his investiagtion of Jutland following a casual conversation seven years ago. He has a Ph.D in War Studies and is the author of "British Sea Power and Procurement Between the Wars," an acclaimed exploration of naval policy and administration in the 1920's and '30s. About the Author Andrew Gordon began his investiagtion of Jutland following a casual conversation seven years ago. He has a Ph.D in War Studies and is the author of "British Sea Power and Procurement Between the Wars," an acclaimed exploration of naval policy and administration in the 1920's and '30s.