Admiral Stavridis, a leader in military, international affairs, and national security circles, shares his love of the sea and some of the sources of that affection. The Sailor's Bookshelf offers synopses of fifty books that illustrate the history, importance, lore, and lifestyle of the oceans and of those who “go down to the sea in ships.” Stavridis colors those descriptions with glimpses of his own service-“sea stories” in popular parlance-that not only clarify his choices but show why he is held in such high esteem among his fellow sailors. Divided into four main categories-The Oceans, Explorers, Sailors in Fiction, and Sailors in Non-Fiction-Admiral Stavridis' choices will appeal to “old salts” and to those who have never known the sights of the ever-changing seascape nor breathed the tonic of an ocean breeze. The result is a navigational aid that guides readers through the realm of sea literature, covering a spectrum of topics that range from science to aesthetics, from history to modernity, from solo sailing to great battles. Among these eclectic choices are guides to shiphandling and navigation, classic fiction that pits man against the sea, ecological and strategic challenges, celebrations of great achievements and the lessons that come with failure, economic competition and its stepbrother combat, explorations of the deep, and poetry that beats with the pulse of the wave. Some of the included titles are familiar to many, while others, are likely less well-known but are welcome additions to this encompassing collection. Admiral Stavridis has chosen some books that are relatively recent, and he recommends other works which have been around much longer and deserve recognition. “In this outstanding volume, the author shares his love of the sea and suggests books that are valuable as a guide to sailors to better understand ourselves and the world around us. He succeeds in offering examples of leadership and heroism valuable to laypersons, members of the military in and beyond the Navy, whether novices or veterans.” —Naval Historical Foundation “With this book, Admiral Stavridis stays true to his love: The Sea and books about it. He has selected 50 books, which he describes in four main categories, each in short summaries of mostly three to four pages: seas, researchers, seafarers in novels, seafarers in non-fiction. The sailor will find well-known works as well as unknown ones. He guides us through history, teaching about great naval battles over the centuries, bold explorers, and the struggle for survival of individuals and ship crews.” —Marine Forum “If you are going to read one book this year, you would do well to read The Sailor’s Bookshelf . Similar in structure to Stavridis’s earlier book The Leader’s Bookshelf , The Sailor’s Bookshelf is a list of, as the subtitle states ‘…Fifty Books to Know the Sea….’ But this book is much more than just a list. Admiral Stavridis clearly conveys his appreciation of both the sea and the written word, combining them into a format that both educates the reader while guiding them towards even more information. The list spans subjects and genre encompassing fiction, history, law, environmentalism and more!.... The diverse range of topics covered in The Sailor’s Bookshelf is a key feature in its utility. If you have any interest in the sea, the books on this list are bound to include several you will want to chase down. As such, it’s the perfect gift for that nautically minded person. Don’t just give them another book about submarines, give them a book that will make them think about the sea in all its wonder.” —Armchair General “Highly recommended.” —Argunners “Stavridis gives a very personal reflection of some of the favorite books on his bookshelf.... The Sailor’s Bookshelf is a labor of love.” —Navy Reads “If we are to trust anyone’s recommendations on books to read about the mysteries of the ocean, it certainly would be Admiral Stavridis’.... What makes Admiral Stavridis’ selections so unique is that he relates his experiences as a master of the seas to the works that he recommends.... With the vast experience and knowledge that Stavridis has on world conflicts throughout history, he is a trustworthy source whether he is speaking in today’s media, or suggesting books for those interested in tales of the seas.” —TAPintoUnion “Control of the sea means control of commerce. Maintaining control often means war as nations extend their strategic reach. This is one of those books that are useful to have in your seabag and it is recommended.” —Virtual Mirage “ The Sailor’s Bookshel f is a personal journey of a sailor’s life. Admiral Stavridis has given us a fine maritime anthology to be enjoyed by all who serve, have served or are moved by the awesomeness of the oceans and their impact on our lives, past, present and into the future. The Sailor’s Bookshelf is highly recommended.” —Australian Naval Institute “A fundamental task o