Description

Book Synopsis

An engrossing compendium of high-seas military disasters

From the days of the Spanish Armada to the modern age of aircraft carriers, battles have been bungled just as badly on water as they have been on land. Some blunders were the result of insufficient planning, overinflated egos, espionage, or miscalculations; others were caused by ideas that didn't hold water in the first place. In glorious detail, here are thirty-three of history's worst maritime mishaps, including:

  • The British Royal Navy's misguided attempts to play it safe during the American Revolution
  • The short life and death of the Imperial Japanese Navy
  • The scuttling of the Graf Spee by a far inferior force
  • The sinking of the Nazi megaship Bismarck
  • "Remember the Maine!"—the lies that started the Spanish-American War
  • Admiral Nelson losing track of Napoleon but redeeming himself at the Nile

How to Lose a War at Sea

    Product form

    £9.49

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £9.99 – you save £0.50 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Thu 25 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Bill Fawcett

    1 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of How to Lose a War at Sea by Bill Fawcett

      Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc
      Publication Date: 08/10/2013
      ISBN13: 9780062069092, 978-0062069092
      ISBN10: 0062069098

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      An engrossing compendium of high-seas military disasters

      From the days of the Spanish Armada to the modern age of aircraft carriers, battles have been bungled just as badly on water as they have been on land. Some blunders were the result of insufficient planning, overinflated egos, espionage, or miscalculations; others were caused by ideas that didn't hold water in the first place. In glorious detail, here are thirty-three of history's worst maritime mishaps, including:

      • The British Royal Navy's misguided attempts to play it safe during the American Revolution
      • The short life and death of the Imperial Japanese Navy
      • The scuttling of the Graf Spee by a far inferior force
      • The sinking of the Nazi megaship Bismarck
      • "Remember the Maine!"—the lies that started the Spanish-American War
      • Admiral Nelson losing track of Napoleon but redeeming himself at the Nile

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account