Alfred Thayer Mahan

This biography goes far beyond a consideration of Mahan as the world-famous historian, diplomatist, and strategist. Family papers made available to the author depict Mahan the swain, husband, and father, and reveal insights into his personality, character, religious beliefs, professional frustrations, social aspirations, and financial difficulties.

This book is the portrait--warts and all--of a historian, strategist, tactician, philosopher, Episcopalian, theologian, diplomat, imperialist, mercantilist, capitalist, Anglophile, patriot, Republican, racist, Social Darwinist, journalist, polemicist, naval reformer, adviser to presidents and legislators, teacher, academic administrator, social climber, egoist, introvert, swain, husband, and father."