This title charts a century of destroyer, frigate and submarine development, starting with the earliest vessels, through the two World Wars and the Cold War, through to the incredible machines planned for construction in the 21st century.

A history and comprehensive directories of 380 warships and underwater vessels from around the world.

This expertly researched volume focuses on the history of destroyers, frigates and submarines. Country-by-country directories cover the key chronological stages of each vessel, including full technical information and specification details such as origin, length, displacement, speed, armament, propulsion and complement. Illustrated with over 1300 historical and modern photographs showing naval vessels in action, this authoritative volume provides both enthusiasts and historians with up-to-date information about the world's destroyers, frigates and submarines, and is an essential reference guide for everyone interested in naval history.

The World’s Most Powerful Submarines features 52 of the most significant submarines built, from the German U-9 through the USS Ray and huge Japanese I-400 class of World War II, to the great nuclear-powered submarines of the Cold War. Also included are the latest attack and ballistic missile submarines. Each entry includes a brief description of the submarine’s development and history, a color profile view or cutaway, key features, and specifications. Packed with more than 200 artworks and photographs, The World’s Most Powerful Submarines is a colorful guide for the military and naval history enthusiasts.

Lincoln P. Paine's SHIPS OF THE WORLD: AN HISTORICAL HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA was honored as one of the best reference books of the year by the New York Public Library, and Library Journal described it as "clearly the most fascinating book of the year." Now, in two equally fascinating new books, Paine focuses on two of the most interesting areas of maritime history: WARSHIPS OF THE WORLD TO 1900 and SHIPS OF DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION. WARSHIPS OF THE WORLD TO 1900 traces the history of naval warfare through the stories of more than two hundred of the most famous and important fighting ships, from the earliest triremes and Viking longships to the Mary Rose, Wasa, Bonhomme Richard, HMS Victory, USS Constitution, USS Monitor, and Mikasa. Each ship is described in a vivid short essay that captures its personality as well as its physical characteristics, construction, and history, from the drawing board to the scrap yard or museum. Paintings and photographs show the grandeur and grace of these vessels that helped shape world events. An introductory essay, maps, and a chronology offer the reader a global perspective on the course of naval history from antiquity to the present.

From the dawn of civilization, man has held a fascination with the sea and over the centuries has built myriad ships and sailing craft for an equally diverse range of purposes. Ships: Visual Encyclopedia provides a fascinating at-a-glance guide to more than 1200 of the most important ships from the earliest times to the present day. From the Viking longship through the 16th century galleon to the super carriers and nuclear submarines of the 21st century, Ships: Visual Encyclopedia includes every conceivable type of ship in which man has gone to sea. As well as warships from every century, this book also examines those vessels that have explored the globe, conducted trade, and afforded great adventure, luxury and entertainment. From the smallest coastal traders up to the vast oil tankers of today, from the graceful clippers of the 19th century to the modern passenger liners, Ships: Visual Encyclopedia is the comprehensive guide to all the world's ships, both military and civilian. Each ship is illustrated with a profile illustration, accompanied by brief details and specifications, and vessels are arranged chronologically and by use to allow easy comparison. Timelines of design and development are also provided on many pages where appropriate, giving a sense of the history of each type of ship. With 1200 outstanding color illustrations, Ships: Visual Encyclopedia is an essential reference book for maritime and ship enthusiasts.

Tells the story of the growing Chinese Navy - The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) - and its expanding capabilities, evolving roles and military implications for the USA. Divided into four thematic sections, this special collection of essays surveys and analyzes the most important aspects of China's navel modernization.