This work describes the course of the Battle of Jutland in May 1916. At the same time, it shows why the battle became a source of controversy, as the author reveals conflicting styles of command, a Victorian suffocation of Nelsonic values, and pragmatism overwhelmed by vested peacetime interests.
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This work describes the course of the Battle of Jutland in May 1916. At the same time, it shows why the battle became a source of controversy, as the author reveals conflicting styles of command, a Victorian suffocation of Nelsonic values, and pragmatism overwhelmed by vested peacetime interests.
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Add this copy of The Rules of the Game: Jutland and British Naval to cart. $74.58, fair condition, Sold by Ladylisabooks rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Chester, , UNITED KINGDOM, published 1996 by John Murray.
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Used: Acceptable. Size: 16.5 x 24.2 x 5.8 cm; Condition good, no dust jacket. ref ZKVQ Review "The most profound study of Jutland this reviewer has ever read." Antony Preston. (Warship) 'Explosive' (Navy News) "A superb study of military culture." Jeremy Black (History Today) "For all naval historians, riveting reading." Christopher Andrew. (Sunday Telegraph) "A marvellous work...a rare combination of major substance and easy accessibility." Jon Sumida. (American Neptune) Book Description This work describes the course of the Battle of Jutland in May 1916. At the same time, it shows why the battle became a source of controversy, as the author reveals conflicting styles of command, a Victorian suffocation of Nelsonic values, and pragmatism overwhelmed by vested peacetime interests. From the Publisher The most remarkable work of naval history in years. This is the most remarkable work of naval history in years, probably decades. Its significance goes far beyond the Navy, even beyond the military, since the fundamental points it makes could be adapted to many activities and organizations. In brief, Gordon offers an analysis of the gulf that developed between those in the 19th-century naval hierarchy who advocated central control in battle, with a view to maximising effectiveness, and those who encouraged individual initiative and aggression, on the grounds that all battles quickly become a fog of confusion in which attempts at central direction are simply unrealistic. He shows us the gulf widening during the long peace (for the Royal Navy) following Trafalgar, and its catastrophic effect on the British fleet at Jutland which employed both approaches at once. Rules of the Game combines brilliant analysis with magnificently lucid and stirring accounts of actual warfare. Rules of the Game was the first winner of the Westminster Medal for Military History, and also winner of the Longman/History Today Award. About the Author Andrew Gordon began his investiagtion of Jutland following a casual conversation seven years ago. He has a Ph. D in War Studies and is the author of "British Sea Power and Procurement Between the Wars, " an acclaimed exploration of naval policy and administration in the 1920's and '30s. About the Author Andrew Gordon began his investiagtion of Jutland following a casual conversation seven years ago. He has a Ph. D in War Studies and is the author of "British Sea Power and Procurement Between the Wars, " an acclaimed exploration of naval policy and administration in the 1920's and '30s.
Add this copy of The Rules of the Game: Jutland and British Naval to cart. $98.50, very good condition, Sold by Kisselburg Military Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Potomac, MD, UNITED STATES, published 1996 by John Murray.
Add this copy of The Rules of the Game: Jutland and British Naval to cart. $147.66, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1996 by John Murray.
Add this copy of The Rules of the Game: Jutland and British Naval to cart. $244.48, new condition, Sold by GridFreed rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from North Las Vegas, NV, UNITED STATES, published 1996 by John Murray Pubs Ltd.
This book does two things extremely well. The first and last quarter offer a superb analysis of the Battle of Jutland. Using the "signals manual" as its Rosetta stone the middle half gives an amazing accounting of how Victorian and Edwardian society impacted the culture of the Royal Navy between Nelson and WW1. This is history writing of the highest order. Unforgettable stuff. You'll never look at the Battle of Jutland the same after reading it.
CloseReading
Jul 23, 2007
England has a sinking feeling
Andrew Gordon's book The Rules of the Game is a difficult book to read and a difficult book to recommend and a difficult book to dismiss. Gordon's book is not difficult to read because it is poorly written. To the contrary, the author's style is very graceful, sometimes funny and always logical. The hurdle most readers will have to get over is the book's subject matter. The Rules of the Game is a book about the Naval Battle of Jutland-the clash between the United Kingdom's Grand Fleet and Germany's High Seas Fleet on May 31-June 1, 1916. The outcome was nothing like either side anticipated and, although both claimed victory, neither accomplished what they wanted. Andrew Gordon takes his readers through a lot of very technical detail. Some of the material went way over this reader's land-lubbing head. But the author is adept at providing context that caries the narrative along. More important, and more enjoyable to read, Gordon plumbs the depths of the Royal Navy's character during the Edwardian period. His book is not just a well crafted combat narrative. It is also an in-depth look at the creation and evolution of a military culture and the effect of custom and technology. Without a doubt it should be required reading for anyone who plans or has a career in the armed forces. The lessons about the differences in a peace time and war time military are very important. In fact anyone interested on the effect of technology on culture will find this book of great interest. And anyone interested in what makes people tick will find a wealth of material for thought. Gordon is good at keeping himself honest. He tells the reader when and why he is making suppositions or assumptions and explains where his ideas lead and why they could be wrong. And he respects his subject. He avoids-or at least acknowledges-judging by hind-site and has sympathy and understanding for the sailors at Jutland. After the battle began a war of reputations. The naval tactics and the combat assumptions used at Jutland by the two British commanders were out of synch and often at odds. A bitter brawl broke out inside the Royal Navy between men personally loyal to Admiral David Beatty and those who agreed with Admiral John Jellicoe. Gordon's book sifts through the controversies with intelligence. And he makes a good case that the officers involved-easily portrayed as Gilbert and Sullivan comic operetta sailors-where something else entirely. They were not fools, Gordon asserts. But they may have been made fools of.
