"The Army–Navy game is an American classic. These days, the stories of the games played at Annapolis are not widely known but this book will change that. These were intense games played by talented, patriotic players and it's wonderful to see this story being told." —Bill Belichick, 8-time Super Bowl winning coach

"With strong reporting and clear-eyed prose, David Gendell depicts the unique experience of a pair of Army–Navy football games played by the Chesapeake Bay nearly a half century apart. But Battles at Annapolis is about more than those two games. It explores the origin and early development of college football itself, and also the change, drama, and sense of sacrifice that enveloped the United States during World War II. Quite an achievement." —John Eisenberg, longtime Baltimore sportswriter and author of 11 books including The League: How Five Rivals Created the NFL and Launched a Sports Empire

"Having covered the Army–Navy football rivalry for nearly 30 years, I am well-versed in the history of the series. David Gendell never ceases to amaze me with the interesting facts and unique notes he digs up through hours upon hours of reviewing archival materials. In Battles at Annapolis, Gendell paints a vivid portrait of the Army–Navy games held at the Academy. As a newspaper reporter and real-time historian who often writes retrospective stories reflecting on past events, I have tremendous appreciation for the work Gendell has done to put this book together." —Bill Wagner, Capital Gazette Newspapers; 2024 Maryland Sportswriter of the Year

"Beyond the finite details of statistics and strength, iconic tales of America's beloved athletic pastimes offer revealing historical snapshots of society at large. Resplendently set against the sprawling backdrops of both the Gilded Age and the Second World War, David Gendell's Battles at Annapolis drops readers into the bleachers and brawls of bygone eras. These stories of long-ago gridiron rumbles transport us to unique moments when service and sportsmanship met on a common playing field." —Dr. Jared Frederick, author of Dispatches of D-Day and Fierce Valor

“In Battles at Annapolis, David Gendell effortlessly weaves history, sports, and biography. Through his telling of the 1893 and 1942 Army–Navy football games, he reminds us why this rivalry is so revered . . . the players will not only be remembered for performance on the gridiron, but also for their service to our nation.” —Stephen Phillips, host of the Preble Hall Podcast; author of The Recipient’s Son

"Football fans are going to love this book! Annapolis fans are going to love this book! In fact, today’s Annapolitans will be shocked to learn that the illustrious Army–Navy game, associated today with Philadelphia and other large cities, was once played before crowds of thousands in their hometown. Only David Gendell, who grew up an avid sports fan in Annapolis and whose curiosity knows few bounds, took the time to research and write this book that will make both locals and service academy fans happy. The details of the games of 1893 and 1942—the heroes, the descriptions of the games and the changes over the almost half century between them, the details of Annapolis, and the fields, fans, and unique stories—all make this a fun book and one you will want to share." —Jane McWilliams, author of Annapolis, City on the Severn: A History