HMS Captain was the first sea-going turret warship built to provide all-round firepower. This definitive account of the loss of the Captain details the decade-long public controversy in parliament and the press that led to the building of the ship in unprecedented circumstances. The lengthy controversy involved a disagreement between the Captain's designer and inventor of the turntable turret gun for warships and the Admiralty Constructor, who regarded the design of the vessel as potentially dangerous. Each had his ...
Read More
HMS Captain was the first sea-going turret warship built to provide all-round firepower. This definitive account of the loss of the Captain details the decade-long public controversy in parliament and the press that led to the building of the ship in unprecedented circumstances. The lengthy controversy involved a disagreement between the Captain's designer and inventor of the turntable turret gun for warships and the Admiralty Constructor, who regarded the design of the vessel as potentially dangerous. Each had his supporters, but eventually the Admiralty gave in. Its compromise proved to be fatal in September 1870. Only four months after being commissioned, the Captain capsized and immediately sank in a gale off Finisterre, with a death toll greater than at the Battle of Trafalgar. Using newly discovered information regarding the loss of the ship--information that appears to have been suppressed at the court martial of the eighteen survivors--Arthur Hawkey rewrites history. It is a tale that will fascinate ship buffs and serious historians alike.
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good-Bumped and creased book with tears to the extremities, but not affecting the text block, may have remainder mark or previous owner's name-GOOD Standard-sized.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very Good in Very Good jacket. 8vo. 192pp, index, sources, appendices, bw ills. Or boards in jacket. Minor edge wear to jacket. The definitive account of the loss of the HMS Captain and the decadde-long controversy in parliament and the press which preceded and led to the building of the ship in unprecedented circumstances. When the ship capsized in gales off Finisterre the death toll of British seamen was greater than the Battle of Trafalgar.
Gave it to my husband as a Christmas gift. He was totally absorbed by it and I had hoped to read it soon after. However, at present his best buddy is reading it and I just keep hearing about how absorbing it was start to finish. One day I will get to read the book but meanwhile, as a witness, I can say it is a very good read !!
