
Here we see the Clemson class destroyer USS Branch (DD-197) under way, c. 1920. Note what appears to be an old fashioned sailing ship seen just behind her bow.
U.S. Destroyers: An Illustrated Design History, Norman Friedmann .
The standard history of the development of American destroyers, from the earliest torpedo boat destroyers to the post-war fleet, and covering the massive classes of destroyers built for both World Wars. Gives the reader a good understanding of the debates that surrounded each class of destroyer and led to their individual features.