Although a relatively small force during the Age of Sail, the US Navy was nevertheless closely watched by larger maritime powers impressed by the radical thinking and innovative design manifest in so many of its warships. This gives the subject an interest that stretches far beyond the shores of America itself. For over fifty years knowledge of these ships has relied heavily on the works of Howard Chapelle, a practical naval architect with a fine understanding of design, but an amateur historian who was less than ...
Read More
Although a relatively small force during the Age of Sail, the US Navy was nevertheless closely watched by larger maritime powers impressed by the radical thinking and innovative design manifest in so many of its warships. This gives the subject an interest that stretches far beyond the shores of America itself. For over fifty years knowledge of these ships has relied heavily on the works of Howard Chapelle, a practical naval architect with a fine understanding of design, but an amateur historian who was less than professional in his use of sources. This book is a broad study that looks critically at Chapelle's findings, to unearth new material, and in many cases to draw different conclusions. Much of Chapelle's analysis is so convincing because of the fine quality of his own drawings, but he was not always candid about how much he added or 'reconstructed'. In this book, therefore, much emphasis is placed on reproducing the original draughts, supported by contemporary paintings, prints and other visual evidence, for which the large format is ideal. The main chapters are devoted to the major ship types, from ships of the line down to brigs and schooners, as well as vessels on the Great Lakes, while appendices deal with gunboats, galleys and revenue cutters. The narrative is backed by extensive data tables, and a number of important documents, like the building specification for Constitution and her sisters, are reproduced in full.
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Near Fine in Near Fine jacket. Book and dust jacket are in Near Fine condition. Book has two "I support VFW" stickers, one on front pastedown and second on front endpaper. Pages otherwise clean and tight. Dust jacket has small scrape near the center top of jacket front, and one very small closed tear at bottom of jacket spine.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used textbooks may not include companion materials such as access codes, etc. May have some wear or writing/highlighting. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very Good, Very Good. 4TO, 224 pgs., B/W Illus, Hardcover. Hardcover. Blue cloth boards with title on spine. Light board soil. Previous owner's name on inside paste down. Text pages are crisp and clean. Very nice illustrated dust jacket has some light edge wear and scuffing. Looks nice in protective mylar.
