A former secretary of the navy, Lehman (Command of the Seas
and Making War) presents the epic story of the American navy from its origins during the American Revolution to the present. Purists looking for new details and a fresh approach will be disappointed, but Lehman did not intend to craft a definitive history of the navy. Rather, he has gleaned a variety of interesting stories of men, ships and battles and has woven a once over lightly approach to this massive subject. This is, simply put, old-fashioned drums and trumpets military writing. Lehman knows his subject, and his folksy writing style is easy to read and comprehend. There aren't any footnotes to his no-nonsense criticism of mistakes by admirals and the strategic and tactical problems resulting from political shortsightedness in times of peace. Lehman provides concise and penetrating biographies of naval officers from well-known men like Ernest King and John Paul Jones to relative unknowns like the mid-19th century's Uriah Levy (the first Jewish naval officer to achieve prominence). In addition to brief descriptions of naval battles, Lehman includes the role of technology in the rise of American naval power. Novice readers especially will find this an appealing introduction to a rich subject. (Oct.)
Forecast:Lehman's background—in addition to his service, he is the founding partner of an eponymous New York banking firm, and the chairman of the Princess Grace and OpSail foundations—should lend a hook for magazine coverage and even further credibility to this effort. Also look for short, respectful reviews in major newspapers.
