Subject
Germany. Kriegsmarine Books
Best books
Lowell Thomas
Count Luckner, the Sea Devil
"Count Luckner, the Sea Devil" by Lowell Thomas is an adventurous autobiography written in the early 20th century. This narrative chronicles the life of Count Felix von Luckner, a German naval officer who gained fame as a privateer during World War I. The text explores his daring exploits at sea aboard the raider "Seeadler", as well as his fascinating life experiences leading up to his command of the ship. The opening of the book introduces the reader to Count Luckner through the eyes of Lowell Thomas, who first encounters him at a flying field in Central Europe. Luckner's robust and charismatic personality is emphasized, leading Thomas to inquire about the "Sea Devil." Through dialogues and descriptions, we learn that Luckner commanded a sailing vessel that successfully disrupted Allied shipping without violence, earning him a heroic stature among the youth of Germany. The introduction sets the stage for a compelling recounting of Luckner's adventurous life, hinting at his colorful past and extensive travels across the seas, which promise to unfold in thrilling and romantic detail.
Friedrich von Bernhardi
Germany and the Next War
"Germany and the Next War" by Friedrich von Bernhardi is a military and political treatise written in the early 20th century. The work elaborates on the rationale and necessity of war as a means for national self-assertion and the pursuit of power, asserting that for Germany, conflict is not merely an option but a duty in the face of external threats and internal weaknesses. The opening of the book sets a tone of urgency, reflecting on the public sentiment in Germany during the summer of 1911, amidst a perceived threat to national honor and political stability, particularly concerning the Morocco crisis. Von Bernhardi aims to clarify the national objectives, difficulties, and sacrifices required for Germany to secure its future. He emphasizes the need for a candid discussion of the rights and responsibilities of nations concerning war, framing it not only as an inevitability but also a moral obligation. Through this lens, he seeks to galvanize a nationalistic fervor, arguing that war is essential for maintaining and enhancing a nation's strength and cultural vitality.
Archibald Hurd
The German Fleet Being The Companion Volume to "The Fleets At War" and "From Heligoland To Keeling Island
"The German Fleet" by Archibald Hurd is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the development of German naval power from its early beginnings to the state of its fleet in the years leading up to World War I. The book aims to unpack the complexities and evolution of Germany's naval ambitions, exploring not just the military aspect but also the cultural and economic underpinnings that fueled its rise. The opening of the book sets the stage for the exploration of German sea-power by emphasizing the historical significance of the Hanseatic League, which influenced early German maritime endeavors. Hurd highlights the transition from a maritime tradition rooted in commerce to a national naval movement, backed by the aspirations of a united Germany in the 19th century. The early chapters touch on the origins of the German fleet and its connection to broader national ambitions, pointing out how the quest for sea power became intertwined with national pride and identity amid the changing socio-political landscape of Europe.
Felix Luckner
Seeteufel: Abenteuer aus meinem Leben
"Seeteufel: Abenteuer aus meinem Leben" by Graf von Felix Luckner is a memoir written in the early 20th century. The narrative chronicles the author's extraordinary life as a sailor and his experiences during wartime service, particularly focusing on his command of the auxiliary cruiser "Seeadler." The work sheds light on maritime adventures filled with excitement, danger, and personal growth, as it reflects on themes of courage and resilience against life's challenges. At the start of the memoir, the author recalls the unusual path that led him to become a seaman, offering glimpses into his childhood and early education. He highlights the impact of familial relationships, especially with his grandmother, who influenced his determination to excel academically in exchange for small rewards. The narrative shifts as he describes his yearning for a life at sea, leading him to leave home and embark on a journey that would take him around the world, filled with various occupations and encounters. This beginning sets the tone for a captivating account of Luckner’s transformation from a restless youth to a seasoned mariner, eager to tackle the vastness of the ocean and the unforeseen adventures that await him.
Ernest F. (Ernest Flagg) Henderson
Germany's Fighting Machine Her Army, her Navy, her Air-ships and Why She Arrayed Them Against the Allied Powers of Europe
"Germany's Fighting Machine" by Ernest F. Henderson is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book provides an in-depth examination of the German military, including its army, navy, and air forces, as well as the broader context of their preparations for World War I. The author aims to analyze why Germany had amassed such a formidable military force against the Allied Powers of Europe, especially in the wake of rising tensions leading to the war. The opening of the work describes Henderson’s experiences in Germany just before the outbreak of World War I, highlighting the rapid shift from admiration for Germany's achievements to the grim realization of an impending conflict. The author discusses the historical context leading up to the war, analyzing news reports and public sentiment in Germany regarding Russia's military preparations and the Franco-Russian alliance. He paints a vivid picture of the escalating tensions and the political dynamics of the time, foreshadowing the war’s outbreak and setting the stage for a detailed exploration of the German military capabilities that follow in the subsequent parts of the book.
Archibald Hurd
The Fleets at War
"The Fleets at War" by Archibald Hurd is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book provides an in-depth examination of the naval strategies and assets of the British and German fleets during the onset of World War I. It likely addresses the critical role of naval power in shaping military outcomes and national confidence in the face of impending conflict. The opening of "The Fleets at War" outlines the significant naval achievements of the British fleet just before the outbreak of hostilities on August 4th, 1914. It emphasizes the rapid mobilization of British naval forces, which were already prepared for war even before the official declaration. Hurd discusses how the British Navy successfully hindered German maritime commerce and ensured the safe transport of the British Expeditionary Force to France, highlighting the pivotal influence of naval power on Britain’s war effort. As the narrative begins, it sets the stage for a detailed exploration of naval policies, fleet compositions, and the broader implications of sea power during wartime.
Franz Edelsheim
Operations Upon the Sea: A Study
"Operations Upon the Sea: A Study" by Freiherr von Franz Edelsheim is a military treatise written in the early 20th century, specifically in the context of Germany’s naval strategies during World War I. This book focuses on the principles of conducting military operations across the sea, addressing various aspects such as troop transport, embarkation, and landing operations. Edelsheim analyzes historical examples to outline effective military strategies and underscores the necessity of detailed preparations for overseas operations. The book provides a comprehensive examination of the logistical and tactical challenges faced by a nation seeking to execute operations over the sea. Edelsheim delves into the principles of sea transport, emphasizing the importance of efficient planning during peacetime and outlining the requirements for successful military campaigns. He discusses the need for naval superiority, efficient mobilization of land forces, and the significance of surprise as a tactical advantage. Through historical references and a detailed exploration of Germany's capabilities, the study acts as a guideline for integrating naval and land strategies, ultimately aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of military operations across the ocean.
Recently surfaced classics