Tsushima

This book will undoubtedly attract the attention of domestic experts and all those interested in the history of the Russo-Japanese War...It seems as if nothing new can be added to what has already been written about the battle over more than a century, however this work shows that it is possible. Kowner's monograph is a solid and fundamental study with a good literary style. It will certainly stir up controversy [in Russia], which is also the hallmark of a quality historical work. * Dmitrii V. Likharev, Rossiya i ATR *
Not only does this excellent book provide a good treatment of the battle itself...but a great deal of consideration is also given to its long-term effect in naval, political, and cultural spheres. * Andrew Choong Han Lin, The Mariner's Mirror *
Very readable and informative, and gives an excellent insight into how naval tactics changed and developed after the battle. A must-read for anyone interested in early-twentieth century naval warfare. * Chris May *
Rotem Kowner's Tsushima constitutes a tour de force treatment of this epic battle and its multiple legacies. He establishes remote and immediate contexts, provides accurate description and informed analysis, and delves deeply into aftermath. * Bruce W. Menning, Professor of Strategy (ret.), U. S. Army Command and General Staff College *
A book of remarkable originality, daring, and openness of mind. Professor Kowner presents a skilful account of Tsushima which for the first time equally embraces Japanese and Russian sides of the battle and its consequences. * Dmitrii V. Likharev, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia *
A penetrating and comprehensive study of the most consequential naval battle fought between Trafalgar (1805) and Pearl Harbor (1941). Where Kowner's work shines brightest is his insightful analysis of this battle's military, political, and cultural legacy for both participants and the wider world. Tsushima is masterful. * J. Charles Schencking, Author of Making Waves: Politics, Propaganda, and the Emergence of the Imperial Japanese Navy, 1969-1922 *
Rotem Kowner's Tsushima presents a comprehensive account of the Battle of Tsushima Strait in 1905. It skilfully describes how and why it occurred and ended with a decisive and one-sided victory by the Imperial Japanese Navy. Among other things, this book is about the big battleships and guns. Well prepared and trained, the IJN made the best use of them against the Baltic Fleet and earned well-deserving glory and acclaim. However, the memory of decisive victory at Tsushima also planted in the minds of generations of IJN's leaders hubris, arrogance, and inflexibility to adjust and change IJN's naval doctrine until its last days in 1945. Kowner, as a true historian, re-enacts the days of the big battleships and guns, and beckons us all to return to the seas again. * Naoyuki Agawa, Author of Friendship Across the Seas: The US Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force *
Rotem Kowner's Tsushima is the first book in the Great Battles Series from Oxford University Press to tackle a naval battle and the first book to explore a topic from either Russian or Japanese military history. It does both with great aptitude. Kowner's account is based on a wide array of Russian and Japanese sources, and provides a great overview of the battle and its short and long-term consequences. It is written in engaging and accessible language, and will be a valuable read for both those who are only just getting acquainted with the topic and those who consider themselves experts on the Russo-Japanese War. * Sofya Anisimova, International Journal of Maritime History *