HISTORY OF THE SHIP

by Richard. Woodman (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2002

  $3.25

  Ships have been among the most powerful artefacts produced by the hand of man. They have transcended mere practical use and become instruments of great influence, furthering causes for good or evil, acting as manifestations of political power, of military puissance, or of commercial exploitation. The purpose of this new volume is to present the informed reader who has an interest in ships, with a full account of the development of this most fascinating, important and influential invention. The book in general follows the arguments propounded in Conway's highly-praised twelve-volume History of the Ship series: these are underpinned with the author's many years of sea-going experience and numerous writings on maritime topics. Whilst dealing with a hugely complex subject the author presents his truly international thesis in a highly readable manner. The book is complete with over 250 colour and black and white illustrations ranging from ship plans, engravings and diagrams to marine oil paintings and photographs of both ships and ship models.

• Used

  Hardcover
  1997

  $4.74

  This work aims to present the informed reader with a full account of both the technical and cultural development of the ship. Author Richard Woodman draws together the historical strands of each ship type culminating in a summary of contemporary developments and speculation about the future. From the development of the dugout canoe to the very large container carrier (VLCC), the book examines how ships have been used for good and evil throughout history. It starts with descriptions of primitive craft, leading to the early trading vessels and warships. From there, the transition to the first full-rigged ship, the carrack, is discussed. The introduction of steam follows, with details of how the steamship usurped the sailing ship in many of her former roles, allowing sailing vessels to reach their final and prolonged heyday in the tea clipper races. The upheavals of the 20th century with the arrival of the big-gun battleship, aircraft carrier and the nuclear submarine are given comprehensive coverage. Throughout the book, the impact of the technology on the evolution of the ship is dealt with, putting developments in their economic and political context, and changes in the design of both warships and merchantmen are outlined. Also looked at are the stories of the characters who influenced ship design and the men who commanded them. Richard Woodman is the author of View from the Sea and Convoys .