British Capital Ships 1873-1946

This is no ordinary catalogue. It is also a beautifully illustrated book of naval history. 

Ian Marshall starts by telling the story of the Royal Navy's capital ships when these were based on the big gun and before they were replaced by aircraft carriers and later by nuclear Fleet Submarines.

The text is followed by a series of paintings to illustrate the story's main stages. Again these are no ordinary pictures. Whilst all the ships are beautifully and accurately painted and described, each is set naturally and evocatively into its surroundings either at sea or in harbour.