Warships: From the Galley to the Present Day

Second-Hand (Hardcover)

Excellent condition

During the course of recorded history, mankind has continually looked toward the sea as provider of nourishment, as a channel for trade and for the migration of people or ideas.

The last three millennia have witnessed the development of maritime craft from simple dugout through oared rafts, sailing ships, steam powered ships, to the fully computerized supertankers and bulk cargo vessels of today.

Throughout all this time, these maritime craft have fallen prey to the vagaries of weather, and the hostile actions of other mariners. To defend them, specialized warships were developed, whose role of protection was only a part of their remit.

Since the first known warships were commissioned by the rulers of Ancient Egypt, these craft have defended national interests and commerce, struggled for control of the seas with rival fleets of warships, and unleashed attacks against the shipping and coastline of enemy states.

Warships have been instruments of both good and evil, and have inlluenced the course of humanity like no other man-made instrument in history. As arbiters of political destiny, military success, and economic development, they hold a unique place in our
study of the past.

This superb book is a complete history of the warship from the earliest days to present times and beyond. The narrative relates the evolution of the craft, and each chapter also contains additional information on areas of particular interest such as the Vikings, the Spanish Armada, the Battle of Trafalgar, the first submarines, Bismark, and the Battle of Midway.

Illustrated with historic paintings and illustrations as well as stunning photography it is an excellent chronicle of these ships and the role they have played in human history.