U.S. Destroyer: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman soon to be presented for sale on the dazzling BookLovers of Bath web site!
Published: London, Melbourne: Arms & Armour Press, 1982, Hardback in dust wrapper.
Illustrated by way of: Black & White Photographs; Diagrams; Tables; Plans;
From the cover: For almost a century, the destroyer has been the image of sleek, aggressive power. This hook explains how the U. S. Navy developed its destroyers. It also describes the naval and civilian forces that determined the design and operation of these ships. In the past two decades, U. S. destroyer design, now typified by the Spruance and Perry classes, has become increasingly controversial: for example, nuclear vs. conventional power, endurance vs. speed. Norman Friedman, a highly regarded authority on U. S. warships, discusses the reasoning behind the designs of these ships this reasoning, he believes, will continue to dominate U. S. warship development for the remainder of this century.
From their torpedo-boat forebears onward, all destroyer classes are illustrated and described in detail. Many designs that were never carried to construction are also discussed because of their significance in the development of the ships actually built. These designs range from the large destroyer leader of 1919, through the 40-knot Seahawk of the sixties, to those that preceded the current Spruance and Ticonderoga.
The author also describes the destroyer escorts (DE, now frigates, FF), the large post-war frigates (DL/DLG, now redesignated cruisers), and the Perry-class FFGs. They are all interrelated, all part of the destroyer story.
An entire chapter is devoted to destroyer combat experience in World War II, as this had a major influence on ship design and development. Extracts from battle reports made at that time are included. Separate chapters describe destroyer weapon systems for antiaircraft and antisubmarine warfare as they have evolved since the beginnings of the destroyer force.
Friedmans detailed descriptions and illustrations of ships and of their modifications in service should be of great interest to naval historians, model-builders, and to all ship lovers. Most classes are illustrated by detailed profiles drawn by renowned draftsman Arthur D. Baker III, and in many cases inboard profiles showing the internal arrangements of the ships are included. Detailed photographs of World War II ships alter relit should be invaluable to ship model-makers. As a monument to the men of the destroyer force and to their ships, the book is unsurpassable.
This is the only history of U. S. Destroyer development based entirely on the internal, formerly classified papers of the U. S. Navy. For all who would like to understand the origins of the present Navy, and for all who hope to shape the Navy of the future, U. S. Destroyers is vital reading.
Good in Good Dust Wrapper. Heavily bruised at the head, tail and corners of the boards with damaged to the dust wrapper which has a tape repair to the bottom corner of the upper panel. Front hinge starting. Text complete, clean and tight otherwise and a good reference copy of an uncommon title.
Black boards with Silver titling to the Spine. 489 pages. Index. 11¼” x 8¾”.
Of course, if you don’t like this one, may I fascinate you with a carefully selected medley hither or maybe further, hand picked, books in my Military Naval catalogue?
BookLovers of Bath 