Throughout history, rivers have been vital arteries of transportation, commerce, and communication and, consequently, are key military areas in times of conflict or war. Brown Water Warfare is the first history of riverine warfare as conducted by the U.S. Navy, R. Blake Dunnavent traces the evolution of riverine warfare in U.S. military operations from its informal inception in the 18th century to its establishment as a formal doctrine in the 20th century. As the key to understanding the emergence, development, and later adoption of this particular military strategy, he examines the conflicts...