The Sailor’s Bookshelf

Fifty Books to Know the Sea

By: Adm. James Stavridis USN (Ret.)

Narrated by: Robert Fass

Admiral Stavridis, a leader in military, international affairs, and national security circles, shares his love of the sea and some of the sources of that affection. The Sailor's Bookshelf offers synopses of fifty books that illustrate the history, importance, lore, and lifestyle of the oceans and of those who "go down to the sea in ships."

Divided into four main categories, Admiral Stavridis's choices will appeal to "old salts" and to those who have never known the sights of the ever-changing seascape, nor breathed the tonic of an ocean breeze. The result is a navigational aid that guides listeners through the realm of sea literature, covering a spectrum of topics that range from science to aesthetics, from history to modernity, from solo sailing to great battles.

Among these eclectic choices are guides to ship handling and navigation, classic fiction that pits man against the sea, ecological and strategic challenges, celebrations of great achievements and the lessons that come with failure, economic competition and its stepbrother combat, explorations of the deep, and poetry that beats with the pulse of the wave. Admiral Stavridis has chosen some books that are relatively recent, and he recommends other works which have been around much longer and deserve recognition.

©2021 James Stavridis (P)2022 Tantor

Sail the world with Admiral Stavridis!

If you haven't already been caught by the lure of the sea, you will be after reading this book. It's a wonderful collection by one of the world's great Admirals and military leaders. Plus, the book also incorporates leadership lessons that only Admiral Stavridis can provide. The book is a great read (or listen) that I highly recommend!

Bravo Zulu

Admiral Stavros has added several more books to my already lengthy list. I enjoyed the insights that came with summary.

Sail the seas with Jim Stavridis

It awakened a yearning in this landlubber to go deep in the literature of the sea

Can someone who can pronounce nautical terms read this

Second book by stavridis I’ve listed to on this thing. Both times the reader can’t pronounce basic terms. This eliminates some of the authenticity, creates some confusion since so many of the “navy” words are pronounced in ways I’ve never heard: boatswain, forecastle, riverine, submariner, etc.

In terms of substance… this is lazy book. I can picture the admiral pitching this to publishers, “Let me list a bunch of books I like, pretend to add substantive commentary and hope it sells.” Well I bought it.. so there’s that.