- Author
- Book reviewer
- Subjects
- Ship design and development, History - WW1, Book reviews
- Tags
-
- RAN Ships
- None noted.
- Publication
- March 2011 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
The author, David Brown, was a naval architect and distinguished author who published a number of books in this genre. He retired in 1988 as Deputy Director of the Corps of Naval Constructors and died in 2008. His incredible knowledge of early 20th century warship design is authoritatively stamped on this work. The Corps of Naval Constructors was not well known generally but was in fact a highly competent organisation that under-pinned the superiority of British warship design for a long time.
The book’s index is good, though not overly comprehensive. For example, if one is interested in what Australian ships were part of the Grand Fleet there is no guidance from the index and one is obliged to search through the main text – a serious task. But that is a small criticism, this book is the work of a master in his business. It’s highly readable, a superb reference work and recommended without reservation.