Product Description

For every naval officer, in fiction or reality, the frigate was the ideal and much sought-after command. As dashing as a modern destroyer, the frigate offered the excitement of independent service, with the prospect of a glorious single-ship battle or a fortune to be made in prize money. Their actions have been the stuff of history and sea fiction for generations, but the ships themselves are hardly documented at all. This book seeks to redress the balance, to describe the design, construction, armament and fitting of individual classes, to look at the factors influencing their development, and to analyse the many roles they were expected to perform. Backing the main narrative are detailed tabular data on all classes, including the prizes captured from opposing navies - French, Spanish, Dutch, Danish and American - with comparative information on aspects like performance under sail. The book is largely based on new research, and while primarily devoted to frigates has much original material on more general issues, like the constructional experiments prior to the adoption of Seppings diagonal system, and the improvements to guns, mountings and powder during the wars of 1793-1815. Illustrated in depth mainly with the original plans, the book also includes photographs of models and contemporary prints. With the information provided here, for the first time readers can now discover not only which were the most highly regarded frigates in the fleet, but also why.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #86799 in Books
• Published on: 2006-08-15
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

Customer Reviews

An in-depth but readable investigation...
Covering the period 1801-1815, this primarily focuses on the British frigates of the period, but also includes references to previous designs for background, and to captured vessels. It is astonishingly informative and an easy read, though some of the technical terms could be explained a little better and could be mystifying even to some who know a little of the background.

Alongside the copious plans and draughts, this also includes details of variations of the ships within each class. As well as an extensive historical overview, the book contains chapters on Design issues, Construction Methods (and evolution), Wartime Modifications (even including some costs, where available), Performance, Armament details, and how and when Frigates were used. Almsot as an afterthought it also contains an interesting overview of the frigate dispositions in several years.

Often difficult to find, I don't think anyone with any interest in the frigates of the period will be disappointed with this book.