“Inaccuracy is the inevitable result of hasty talk. Those of us who are not over and above solemn, and who are quite prepared to give Lord Fisher all the licence of, say, Admiral Coffin, whose free talk once amused the House of commons, often at his own expense, may still regret that he does not endeavour to deserve a share of ‘the heavenly gift of proportion and perspective’ which he admired in King Edward.”
+ − The Times [London] Lit Sup p579 O 23 ’19 1050w
“There are some things in these memories and records which few critics, now or hereafter, will commend except in so far as they exhibit some of the less attractive features of Lord Fisher’s personality with a candour which goes far to redeem them from censure. But these are really superficial traits.”
+ − The Times [London] Lit Sup p759 D 18 ’19 2050w + Yale R n s 10:437 Ja ’21 890w
FISKE, BRADLEY ALLEN. Art of fighting; its evolution and progress. il *$3 (2c) Century 355
20–7785
Paying a passing tribute to the universal desire for peace, the author says: “Until it is certain that war has actually been banished from the earth, armies and navies must be maintained. In order to give their country the protection needed, each army and navy must be correctly designed, prepared, and operated. To know whether this is being done, the people need a general knowledge of the principles of the art of fighting, especially of strategy. To impart this knowledge in simple language is the object of this book.” (Preface) The book is in three parts: Fighting and war in general; Historical illustrations; Strategy. This third section is composed of three chapters: Strategy in peace; Strategy in war; and Strategy as related to statesmanship. There is no index.
+ Booklist 17:51 N ’20
“It may be objected to this book, particularly by the pacifist mind, that it lacks a true perspective, a proper sense of proportion, an adequate conception of relative values. But the ready answer is that it is the book of an inventor, a specialist, an enthusiast. Admiral Fiske has made a notable contribution, worthy of the most careful study.”