German Naval Strategy 1856-1888: Forerunners to Tirpitz Book

I thought this book was a good editor away from being a five star book, but there are a number of reasons why I like it.

First of all, assuming that this book is completely true and full of facts, it's a scary reality, and it's certainly plausible. Did this happen? Was all of society nearly snuffed out? Is this worth reading again with Pakistan's shaky society and North Korea's nuclear ambitions? In short, simply the prospect of what could have been is scary enough for me, and I found this part to be gripping.

Additionally, did Tom Clancy get the idea for The Hunt for Red October from this story? The similarities are there, but since I'm someone that enjoys an occasional Clancy novel or three, if you want something as well-written as possible, you take Clancy and the Red October.

Lastly, though, I was engrossed with the inclusion of the Glomar Explorer. As a young boy, I remember reading Janes and all sorts of good military history, and I always wondered what that ship was for...until I read this book. Some things I've always wondered about fit into place, and with that, we get a four star book. If only the writing was stronger...