This is one of the first books published in Seaforth's own 'Historic Ships' series, the other volume published alongside it during 2011 having been on the subject of HMS Victory. The publisher's aim in this series is to guide the reader on a superbly illustrated tour of a ship from bow to stern, from keel to masthead and deck-by-deck.
Visually, they have certainly succeeded in no uncertain fashion. Geoff Dennison's photography is indeed superb, both above and below decks as well as outside the ship, and the reproduction does his work justice, printed in high quality on excellent paper even though this is, nominally, a paperback. Beginning with an account of the ship's concept, design, history and preservation, the feast of Geoff Dennison's pictorial tour starts on page 30, after some fine introductory illustrations, and continues through to the end of the book on p. 128.
It must be said that the photographer's pictorial record is the prime reason for buying this book. More complete and comprehensive and, indeed, more accurate accounts of Warrior's inception, history and restoration can probably be found elsewhere, but Wyn Davies's introductory chapters and captions give an accessible, more concise overview of the ship's career. A beautiful publication from the house of Seaforth, nevertheless, at an affordable price for the richness of its content.
Roger Marsh - March 2012
Description of: HMS Warrior - Ironclad
Author: Wynford Davies
|
|
|
|
