Customer Reviews

Tirpitz: Architect of the German High Seas Fleet (Potomac's Military Profiles)

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Generally a good overview of von Tirpitz's life and career. It would seem, though, the author is compelled to make certain observations that will spare him from being cast in a certain light. In Germany, discussing Germany's military history in an objective manner is tantamount to being a right-wing extremist, hence it should come as no surprise that von Tirpitz was essentially a "failure" and that Germany, for some reason, had no right (and therefore was ultimately being provocative towards Britain) to build a powerful navy, let alone build an overseas empire.

A worthwhile purchase, at the modest price. The text ranges thoroughly across Tirpitz's life and career, and is clear in style. It does have a slight feel of literary flatness: I am afraid in places I thought "This makes an interesting and dramatic event sound routine". The word "dry" comes to mind. The general line is dismissive of German Weltpolitik and naval ambition.
However on balance anyone interested in the early 20C German navy should see a copy.