"With this book, Admiral Stavridis stays true to his love: The Sea and books about it. He has selected 50 books, which he describes in four main categories, each in short summaries of mostly three to four pages: seas, researchers, seafarers in novels, seafarers in non-fiction. The sailor will find well-known works as well as unknown ones. He guides us through history, teaching about great naval battles over the centuries, bold explorers, and the struggle for survival of individuals and ship crews." --Marine Forum

"If you are going to read one book this year, you would do well to read The Sailor's Bookshelf. Similar in structure to Stavridis's earlier book The Leader's Bookshelf, The Sailor's Bookshelf is a list of, as the subtitle states '...Fifty Books to Know the Sea....' But this book is much more than just a list. Admiral Stavridis clearly conveys his appreciation of both the sea and the written word, combining them into a format that both educates the reader while guiding them towards even more information. The list spans subjects and genre encompassing fiction, history, law, environmentalism and more!.... The diverse range of topics covered in The Sailor's Bookshelf is a key feature in its utility. If you have any interest in the sea, the books on this list are bound to include several you will want to chase down. As such, it's the perfect gift for that nautically minded person. Don't just give them another book about submarines, give them a book that will make them think about the sea in all its wonder." --Armchair General

"Highly recommended." --Argunners

"Stavridis gives a very personal reflection of some of the favorite books on his bookshelf.... The Sailor's Bookshelf is a labor of love." --Navy Reads

"If we are to trust anyone's recommendations on books to read about the mysteries of the ocean, it certainly would be Admiral Stavridis'.... What makes Admiral Stavridis' selections so unique is that he relates his experiences as a master of the seas to the works that he recommends.... With the vast experience and knowledge that Stavridis has on world conflicts throughout history, he is a trustworthy source whether he is speaking in today's media, or suggesting books for those interested in tales of the seas." --TAPintoUnion

"Control of the sea means control of commerce. Maintaining control often means war as nations extend their strategic reach. This is one of those books that are useful to have in your seabag and it is recommended." --Virtual Mirage

"The Sailor's Bookshelf is a personal journey of a sailor's life. Admiral Stavridis has given us a fine maritime anthology to be enjoyed by all who serve, have served or are moved by the awesomeness of the oceans and their impact on our lives, past, present and into the future. The Sailor's Bookshelf is highly recommended." --Australian Naval Institute

"A fundamental task of developing a Sailor is learning how to pack a seabag. The shape of the bag has changed over centuries, but the size has remained small, restricting what we can take to sea. Our choices, what we put in the bag, can make all the difference in the voyage. Admiral Stavridis' remarkable list of books and his insights offers wisdom to novice mariners and old salts alike. Everyone should find room in their seabags for this content!" --Adm. Michelle Howard, USN (Ret.), former commander United States Naval Forces Europe

"No one knows the literature of the sea better [than Admiral Stavridis]. The selections on this 'sailor's bookshelf' will be a terrific resource for both old salts and newcomers to the world's oceans. It's an instant classic!" --Adm. Harry Harris, USN (Ret.), former Commander, U.S. Pacific Command

"This book should be on every sailor's shelf. Admiral Stavridis's love of the sea and love of reading come through on every page." --Tom Ricks, author and Pulitzer Prize winning reporter

"This is so much more than simply a reading list or collection of book reviews. In choosing his titles he has selected a broad range of topics and styles to give a full appreciation of all that the sea and seafaring encompasses, balancing fiction and non-fiction titles and complementing the historical with some of the fundamental texts that help mariners learn and hone their craft: from understanding the essence of navigation, through Sobel's Longitude, to Moby Dick. He has chosen well, and everybody is likely to find something here to develop their perception and understanding of the sea. Each title is introduced with the author's own personal reflection on its significance, and these reflections are enhanced with a selection of anecdotes, as well as 'bonus' recommendations to take the reader further. Not only is this unusual book an enjoyable read in itself, but reading all the recommended titles will help counter 'sea blindness' as well as presenting an exciting opportunity to broaden what for many is already a favourite subject." --Warship

"Admiral James Stavridis knows the sea first hand, has mastered maritime history, and always conveys its importance in a most compelling way. This collection charts a wonderful course for all who already share his passion for the sea and those ashore who wish to embrace the majesty of the oceans. Get underway and enjoy! You'll be glad you did." --Adm. Jay L. Johnson, USN (Ret.), former Chief of Naval Operations

"Admiral Stavridis's new book is a gem. It's the whose who and what's what about a sailor's life presented in a lively style and bringing readers the best fiction and nonfiction in an authoritative and yet accessible and enjoyable manner. It should become classic reading for U. S. Naval Academy Midshipmen, their professors, and anyone who enjoys the literature of the sea." --Philip K. Jason, Professor Emeritus, United States Naval Academy, author of Fourteen Landing Zones: Approaches to Vietnam War Literature, Encyclopedia of American War Literature, and Acts and Shadows: The Vietnam War in American Literary Culture

"I've known Admiral James Stavridis for decades, and he deeply appreciates the sea as both a mariner and a naval officer. His keen intellect, warrior spirit and diplomatic prowess clearly qualify him as an expert judge of sea service prose by any measure. The fifty summaries of these classics are concise but very enlightening, and the individual choices of books are spot on. This sailor's bookshelf will reward any reader, whether an 'old salt' or a new Sailor straight out of boot camp." --Master Chief Petty Officer Jim Herdt, USN (Ret.), former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy