outlines the scarcity of literature on naval history in the German language, noting a rich availability in other languages. Rittmeyer expresses his motivation to compile a comprehensive account while acknowledging the challenges of encompassing such vast historical content. He sets the context for his study, detailing his decision to focus on the major naval conflicts of the age of sail from the mid-17th century to the early 19th century, emphasizing their importance in shaping modern navies and maritime tactics. The opening also hints at the structure of the book, suggesting that it will cover various time periods and examine the complexities surrounding naval warfare and its political implications. (This is an automatically generated summary.)