Customer Reviews

Sea Change at Annapolis: The United States Naval Academy, 1949-2000

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While I personally knew little about the Naval Academy or its history before reading this book, Dr. Gelfand's research and presentation of information grabbed my attention by providing amazing stories from multiple generations of student perspectives. I especially enjoyed the chapters dedicated to the process and experiences women have been through since first entering military academies. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone because it is not just a typical military history book. You get a better understanding of how people react to changes in society which can still be seen today as women continue to struggle to find a place in military academies.

As one who witnessed first-hand the beginning of the changes at the Naval Academy described by Dr. Gelfand, I had the advantage of comparing what I experienced with events as depicted by the author. On that basis alone, Dr. Gelfand is to be commended for the accuracy of his work. He has managed to give those events a balanced treatment that provides the reader a good perspective of what was indeed a sea change at the Academy. The expansion of the academic program to that rivaling any Ivy League university, the inclusion of women within the ranks of the Brigade of Midshipmen, and the inception of the Honor System all have had a deep impact on Academy life, an impact very well captured by Dr. Gelfand. He also saw the value of including the lighter side of Academy life, such as the notorious Color Parade of the Class of 1952 (which happens to be my class). I highly commend this book for any youngster interested in attending the Naval Academy, amd their parents as well.