|
|
This is a somewhat unusual book for me to review - rather than focus on a topic Konstam had produced a volume filled with around 125 min-chapters, each looking at a different aspect of naval history. Many look at the most famous incidents, ships, people and battles of Naval history, while others pick out obscure but interesting corners.
The articles cover a wide range of history, from the ancient Roman corvus to the immediate post Second World War period and the first nuclear powered submarines. As well as the ships, people and battles, Konstam also includes a large number of articles on life on ship - the watch system or the rum ration; technical naval concepts - anchors, knots, systems of signalling and a number of lists - largest sea battles or ships that sank without enemy help.
The book is best seen as one to dip into rather than one to read straight through. It will be of most value to the general reader or history buff who lacks much knowledge of naval history - the general military naval buff will find much of the material very familiar although should still run into some interesting unfamiliar subjects (I certainly did, including information on the eventual disappearance of the British Lords of the Admiralty and a good clear explanation of the main types of naval knots).
This is an entertaining collection of Naval snippets that would be a great 'bluffer's guide' for anyone who wants to learn about many of the most famous or significant aspects of naval history, but that still has value for the naval enthusiast.
Chapters - too many to list!
Author: Angus Konstam
Edition: Hardcover
Pages: 240
Publisher: Osprey
Year: 2010