larly grateful for the support I received from George Baer, chairman of the
department. His support reduced the burdens of readying the book for
publication. His predecessor as department chairman, William C. Fuller, Jr.
also backed me in undertaking this project and made preparing the first
draft of the book much easier. Meanwhile, Alberto Coll, Michael Handel,
David Kaiser, Brad Lee, Doug Porch, and Steve Ross have shaped and
refined my views about strategy during the First World War. My colleagues
make the Strategy Department a terrific place to work, and I consider myself
fortunate to be counted as one of their number. At the Naval War College
Library, I want to thank Ms. Alice Juda and Ms. Robin Lima, who so ably
assisted me in my research.

My family has been a constant source of support for me during the time
it took me to finish this book. My sister Margaret Maurer helped me in
carrying out my research, and I am extremely grateful to her. I also want to
thank my parents for their love and support over the years. They encour-
aged me in my studies and greatly eased the burden of my work. It is my
deep regret that this book did not appear before my father passed away.
This work is dedicated to my parents.

Finally, I am most especially mindful of the contribution made by my
wife Maureen. With her patience, good humor, and love, Maureen sus-
tained me throughout the writing of this book, helping me to finish. She is
my best friend and my love. My children, Johnny, Margaret, and James, also
played an important part in helping me to complete this book by counte-
nancing my protracted stays in the study working on the computer.

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