China Goes to Sea “Highly Recommended” in Choice
R. Higham, review of Andrew S. Erickson, Lyle J. Goldstein, and Carnes Lord, eds., China Goes to Sea: Maritime Transformation in Comparative Historical Perspective (Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 2009); Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries, Vol. 47, No. 9 (May 2010).
The excellent idea behind this collection is the historical comparison of how other powers in other times have made the transition from land to sea power. The 19 authors cover ancient Egypt through Sparta and Rome and the Ottoman Empire, through the modern era, with special attention to China’s maritime transformations in comparative-historical perspective. Each chapter has pertinent maps and notes. In addition to its portraits and perceptions of Chinese naval expansion, the book has fine introductions to more obscure topics, such as the Ottomans. …Especially for policy makers. Summing up: Highly recommended. Most levels/libraries.
