Allied and American Naval Operations in the European Theater, World War I

Coletta, Paolo E. Allied and American Naval Operations in the European Theater, World War I. Studies in American History, vol. 7. Lewiston, N.Y.: The Edward Mellen Press, 1996. 588pp. S129.95

Paul G. Halpem's splendid A Naval History of World War I appeared in 1994, providing an up-to-date general survey based on thorough primary research, and it soon became an essential tool for all students of the era. Paolo Coletta's Allied and American Naval Operations in the European Theater, World War I, regrettably, is no match for its precursor. In fact, the reader ultimately is left to wonder what induced Dr. Coletta to write the book, where his editor and proofreader were during its production, and why the publisher issued a work in this state and at such an inflated price. Coletta's study shows little sign of being the fruit of thorough scholarly research. Although there is an impressive, if disorganized, bibliography, it...