Jutland 1916: Death in the Grey Wastes (Cassell Military ... (ISBN 030436648X)

Excellent history of the battle:
Overall 'Jutland 1916' is an excellent overall history of the Battle of Jutland. It briefly covers events preceding the battle especially Jellico's orders and mindset then gets right into the action. The battle itself is covered in great detail with significant quotes from participants. The authors seem to be very fair and balanced in their portrayal of events and in giving the participants the benefit of the doubt. It is also very well written. The only criticisms of the book are that it is slightly British heavy although the authors do indeed cover the German events well. While it has numerous maps I would still have preferred a few more and also a bit more detail on each especially ship and group names on all maps. Finally, the book assumes you have not only a familiarity with WW1 naval warfare but especially British naval ranks/positions and traditions. None of these criticisms are significant and for anyone interested in the Battle of Jutland this books is a must read.

Best Book on Jutland:
After reading another good book on the battle of Jutland, I didn't think that this book would be as good. Well, it's better. It provides both a strategic perspective and a detailed perspective from the men who fought at Jutland. In the detailed perspective, you are there with them as the shells hit their ships and rock them. You are there, as the water comes into the ship and they are trying to save it. You are there with them, as the flash of fire goes from one room to another and they are trying to save their ships from exploding or themselves from burning alive. And, you are there as the terrible casualities are handled after the battle - of the drownings in the ocean when the ships can't find them, of the people who are scalded so bad that their skin is falling off, of the men who lose arms legs, and are still living. This book gives you the glimpse of the strategic perspective but also this personal perspective of what it was like to experience this battle. Consequently, I highly recommend this book.

Excellent:
This is one of the most enjoyable accounts I've read in a long time. Two aspects of this account stand out in my mind. This is one of the few accounts that attempts to bring home the true horror of the conflict with the inclusion of personal. Accounts of the battle and the fate of those that participated to. It kept my interest from start to finish particularly through the night action which have always found to be dull and interesting in other accounts. The writers avoid getting embroiled in the most controversial aspects of the battle, giving their own considered opinion and moving on. They clearly articulate the roles responsibilities and culpability of the main players and in my mind definitively onto the question " who won" .

Jutland 1916:
This is a good read. I have read many books on the subject and this one is very good.

A fine telling:
Jutland 1916, Death in the grey wastes is an excellect source of detail on this first clash of "modern" era Navies. The authors do a far and away exemplary job of aquainting the reader with the period and setting. Personalities and technoloies are discussed but not to the point of being burdensome. The heavy use of quoted material from individuals both British and German add texture, color and clarity to the telling of a, at times, confused event. The summary is short and reasonable in its conclusions. The writing style is smoothly flowing and sure to be appreciated. There is a decidedly "British" flavor to the telling but it is also obvious Misters Steele and Hart have tried hard to be even handed and objective. Anyone reading for research or pleasure will enjoy this book and it is, in my opinion, one for the book case.