No one knows the literature of the sea better [than Admiral Stavridis]. The selections on this 'sailor's bookshelf' will be a terrific resource for both old salts and newcomers to the world's oceans. It's an instant classic!" - Adm. Harry Harris, USN (Ret.), former Commander, U.S. Pacific Command"This book should be on every sailor's shelf. Admiral Stavridis's love of the sea and love of reading come through on every page." - Tom Ricks, author and Pulitzer Prize winning reporter"Admiral James Stavridis knows the sea first hand, has mastered maritime history, and always conveys its importance in a most compelling way. This collection charts a wonderful course for all who already share his passion for the sea and those ashore who wish to embrace the majesty of the oceans. Get underway and enjoy! You'll be glad you did." - Adm. Jay L. Johnson, USN (Ret.), former Chief of Naval Operations"A fundamental task of developing a Sailor is learning how to pack a seabag. The shape of the bag has changed over centuries, but the size has remained small, restricting what we can take to sea. Our choices, what we put in the bag, can make all the difference in the voyage. Admiral Stavridis' remarkable list of books and his insights offers wisdom to novice mariners and old salts alike. Everyone should find room in their seabags for this content!" - Adm. Michelle Howard, USN (Ret.), former commander United States Naval Forces Europe"I've known Admiral James Stavridis for decades, and he deeply appreciates the sea as both a mariner and a naval officer. His keen intellect, warrior spirit and diplomatic prowess clearly qualify him as an expert judge of sea service prose by any measure. The fifty summaries of these classics are concise but very enlightening, and the individual choices of books are spot on. This sailor's bookshelf will reward any reader, whether an 'old salt' or a new Sailor straight out of boot camp." - Master Chief Petty Officer Jim Herdt, USN (Ret.), former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy