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battleship was gradually superseded by a new and even more threatening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.
