"Historian Jeremy Black traces naval warfare from the 1860s into the future. He focuses on the interplay of technological development, geopolitics, and resource issues to provide a dynamic account of strategy and warfare worldwide. Through a global frame, he assesses not only leading powers but all those involved in naval conflict."--Provided by publisher.

"A Selection of the Military History Book Club"--on front cover.

The age of the ironclad, 1860-80 -- Naval dreams and races, 1880-1913 -- The First World War, 1914-18 -- Aftermath, 1919-31 -- Preparing for war, 1932-39 -- Naval armageddon, 1939-45 -- Cold War : the age of American dominance, 1946-67 -- Cold War : America under greater challenge 1967-89 -- After the Cold War, since 1990 -- Into the future -- Conclusions.