Introduction -- Tirpitz's early life -- The aspirant, 1865-1870 -- The young officer, 1870-1877 : a taste of war -- The creation of the german torpedo arm, 1877-1889 -- Interim, 1889-1891 -- Oberkommando der Marine, 1892-1895 -- On the verge of power, 1895-1897 -- Tirpitz ascendant, 1897-1898 -- The second navy law, 1899-1900 -- The "quiet" years, 1900-1906 -- Sow the wind, 1906-1908 -- The whirlwind rises, 1908-1911 -- Denouement, 1911-1914 -- Tirpitz at war, August 1914-March 1916 -- Uncommon recessional, 1916-1930 -- Conclusion