The Historian of Power, Progress, and the Human Condition

“A fast-paced narrative history…Herman brings to life the twilight of the British Empire and reminds us how the twists and turns of fate helped propel these two men to their places in history. He shows us that there was more common ground between the two than most realize and that the seemingly simple tale of the imperialist and the nationalist is far more nuanced than it seems.”

“A combative corrective to the view of McCarthy as red-baiting demagogue that finds the true villains in the liberal establishment and the mainstream media.”

“Magnificent . . . It’s not often that a historian comes up with a fresh approach to an absolutely critical element of the Allied victory in World War II, but Pulitzer finalist Herman . . . has done just that.”

“A  splendid account of what happens when human beings forsake common sense in favor of
exciting abstractions.”

“Arthur Herman’s excellent history combines thrilling accounts of battles like those brought to the big screen in ‘Master and Commander,’ with a terrific strategic analysis. He reminds us that the sea unites distant and far away lands.”

“A rousing history. . . . The rise of the navy and the road to empire supplies Mr. Herman with his subject, and he does it justice [with] a fast-paced, energetic narrative.”