Battleships: WWII Evolution of the Big Guns (Images of War) - Softcover

Kaplan, Philip

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1783463074 ISBN 13: 9781783463077

Publisher: Pen and Sword Maritime, 2015

Synopsis

Beginning with a pictorial essay on battleship construction in the 1930s and 1940s, this book looks at the various design facets of the last great capital ships of the world's navies. Kaplan offers us a glimpse into those massive American and German navy yards and construction facilities that were put to use during this time, acquainting us with the arenas in which these final examples of battleship technology were laid down, built up, launched, fitted out, commissioned and taken out to sea.

The book roots itself in a period of monumental change within the history of contemporary warfare. With the baton being passed from the battleship community to that of the aircraft carrier, the iconic battleship was gradually superseded by a new and even more threatening weapons system. It was destined to be consigned to the history books, whilst newer, slicker and more efficient fighting machines took precedence. This publication serves as a tribute to a lost legend of naval warfare.

There is a look at some of modern history's most significant battleships, relaying their thrilling stories, defining characteristics and eventual fates. Ships featured include Scharnhorst, Gneisenau, Warspite, Tirpitz and Yamato.

The book is completed with 'Fast and Last', a visit on board the four final examples of battleship technology and design, the last serving battleships USS Iowa, USS New Jersey, USS Wisconsin, and USS Missouri. Their Second World War careers are recounted, as are the qualities that made them special.

About this title

About the Author:

Author/historian/designer/photographer Philip Kaplan has written and co-authored forty-seven books on aviation, military and naval subjects. His previous books include: One Last Look, The Few, Little Friends, Round the Clock, Wolfpack, Convoy, Fighter Pilot, Bombers, Fly Navy, Run Silent, Chariots of Fire, Legend and, for Pen and Sword, Big Wings, Two-Man Air Force, Night and Day Bomber Offensive, Mustang The Inspiration, Rolling Thunder, Behind the Wire, Grey Wolves, Naval Air, and Sailor. He is married to the novelist Margaret Mayhew.

Review:

"Beginning with a pictorial essay on battleship construction in the 1930s and 1040s, this new book looks at the various design facets of the last great capital ships of the world's navies." (Warship World)

"... One can read observations of the future Admiral of the Fleet Sir Henry Leach when he was a young Sub-Lieutenant on board the Duke of York at the Battle of the North Cape in December 1943. Enlisted man Ted Pederson shares two stories about the Missouri’s skipper and executive officer during his time on the ship from 1948-1950. Enlisted men seldom got that close and personal with their skippers, and stories such as these enliven the book...Despite the limited space, the author does an excellent job providing insight into the design and building of particular battleship classes... provides new information, insights, and images that even some well- read “experts” might find enlightening." (Naval Historical Foundation)

About this edition

• Publisher: Pen and Sword Maritime
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1783463074
• ISBN 13: 9781783463077
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144