Modern Era Naval Non-Fiction Section
ME Naval Non-Fiction - Ships & Design
Non-Fiction books which discuss the design of naval vessels in the Modern Era
British Heavy Cruisers 1939-45
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- By Angus Konstam
The idea of a heavy cruiser emerged in the aftermath of World War I, and was closely linked to the limits set by the inter-war Washington Naval Treaty. The pre-World War I concept of armoured cruisers had been abandoned, but in their stead the Admiralty saw a place for powerful cruisers, able to patrol the sea lanes of the British Empire, and which were well-armed enough that they could destroy enemy commerce cruisers. The result was a group of British warships, known as the 'Washington Treaty Cruisers', that did everything the Admiralty wanted, but which conformed to the limits imposed by the treaty. These impressive cruisers were high-sided, spacious and stately - perfect peacetime ambassadors for British power. In war they also packed a considerable punch. During World War II the Royal Navy's thirteen heavy cruisers saw service in every theatre of the war, whether facing the Bismarck in the North Atlantic or enduring kamikaze attacks in the Pacific.
British Battleships 1939-45 (1): Queen Elizabeth and Royal Sovereign Classes
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- By Angus Konstam
With the outbreak of World War II, Britain's Royal Navy and her fleet of battleships would be at the forefront of her defence. Yet ten of the 12 battleships were already over 20 years old, having served in World War I, and required extensive modifications to allow them to perform a vital service throughout the six long years of conflict. This title offers a comprehensive review of the development of these British battleships from their initial commissioning to their peacetime modifications and wartime service, with detailed descriptions of the effectiveness of the main armament of individual ships. With specially commissioned artwork and a dramatic re-telling of key battleship conflicts, this book will highlight what it was like on board for the sailors who risked their lives on the high seas.
British Battleships 1939-45 (2): Nelson and King George V classes
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- By Angus Konstam
With the outbreak of World War II, Britain's Royal Navy and her fleet of battleships would be at the forefront of her defence. Yet ten of the twelve battleships were already over twenty years old, having served in World War I, and required extensive modifications to allow them to perform a vital service throughout the six long years of conflict. This title offers a comprehensive review of the seven battleships of the Nelson and King George V classes from their initial commissioning to their peacetime modifications and wartime service. Moreover, with specially commissioned artwork and a dramatic re-telling of key battles, such as the duel between the Bismark and HMS Rodney, this book will highlight what it was like on board for the sailors who risked their lives on the high seas.
British Aircraft Carriers 1939-45
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- By Angus Konstam
With war against Germany looming, Britain pushed forward its carrier program in the late 1930s. In 1938, the Royal Navy launched the HMS Ark Royal, its first-ever purpose-built aircraft carrier. This was quickly followed by others, including the highly-successful Illustrious class. Smaller and tougher than their American cousins, the British carriers were designed to fight in the tight confines of the North Sea and the Mediterranean. Over the next six years, these carriers battled the Axis powers in every theatre, attacking Italian naval bases, hunting the Bismark, and even joining the fight in the Pacific. This book tells the story of the small, but resilient, carriers and the crucial role they played in the British war effort.
The Fleet Air Arm in Focus: Pt. 1
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- By David Hobbs
| This is not a history but an attempt to capture something of the spirit of the Fleet Air Arm through a collection of photographs put together over a number of years. All with extended captions. |  |
RN Submarines in Focus
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- By David Hobbs
| Covering a 90 year period, this latest title in Maritime Books' excellent 'In Focus' series traces the development of the submarine from the early 20th century to present day. From the early Vickers' built submarines to the nuclearpowered submarines of today. Each page displays a photograph of the relevant submarine and information including date built and eventual fate. Filled with nostalgia, and covering 140 pages with over 100 photographs this is an excellent reference book that should not be missed for collectors of the series or anyone with an interest in the history of the submarine. |  |