The Thunder of the Guns: A Century of Battleships (The Evolution of Naval Power)

The Thunder of the Guns: A Century of Battleships (The Evolution of Naval Power)

A comprehensive history of the modern battleship, from its development through its most brutal battles to its eventual twilight. This account of the most influential ships of the twentieth century deserves to be essential reading for fans of N.A.M. Rodger, Mark Stille, and Ian W. Toll. Donald Macintyre, the famous U-boat hunter and renowned naval historian, takes readers on a journey through naval construction and armament, exploring how the ironclads of the American Civil War revolutionised thinking in naval design and ultimately led to the emergence of HMS Dreadnought and the age of the battleships. Key pivotal engagements, including Tsushima and Jutland, as well as the battleship’s swan song at Surigao Strait, are detailed with in-depth historical analysis and brought to life with firsthand narratives of ferocious combat. The Thunder of the Guns investigates a century of battleship warfare, explaining how figures like Jacky Fisher were instrumental in their development. Through covering key battles and tactics of both World Wars, Macintyre offers insight into how different navies utilised these behemoths of the high seas.