Subject
Naval art and science -- History Books
Best books
Frederick Leslie Robertson
The Evolution of Naval Armament
"The Evolution of Naval Armament" by Frederick Leslie Robertson is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the significant advancements in naval technology and armaments, particularly during the 19th century, covering the evolution of ships, guns, and propulsion systems. Robertson, an engineer commander in the Royal Navy, aims to bridge the gap in popular literature concerning naval history, providing insights into the technical aspects and material developments that shaped modern naval forces. At the start of the work, the author introduces the theme of naval architecture and the evolution of warships, focusing on the limitations of earlier designs, primarily the sailing ship and its inability to match the maneuverability of oar-driven galleys before the 14th century. He discusses the gradual advancements leading to the incorporation of artillery, driven by innovations like gunpowder and the mariner's compass, which together transformed naval warfare. Robertson emphasizes the historical challenges faced in ship design and construction, highlighting the interplay between naval technology and warfare strategies throughout different eras.
Rudolph Rittmeyer
Seekriege und Seekriegswesen, Erster Band in ihrer weltgeschichtlichen Entwicklung. Mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der grossen Seekriege des XVII. and XVIII. Jahrhunderts.
"Seekriege und Seekriegswesen, Erster Band" by Rudolph Rittmeyer is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into naval warfare and its historical development, focusing particularly on the significant naval wars of the 17th and 18th centuries. Rittmeyer aims to provide a comprehensive history of maritime conflict, emphasizing the influence of key naval powers such as Holland, England, and France. At the start of the work, the author outlines the scarcity of literature on naval history in the German language, noting a rich availability in other languages. Rittmeyer expresses his motivation to compile a comprehensive account while acknowledging the challenges of encompassing such vast historical content. He sets the context for his study, detailing his decision to focus on the major naval conflicts of the age of sail from the mid-17th century to the early 19th century, emphasizing their importance in shaping modern navies and maritime tactics. The opening also hints at the structure of the book, suggesting that it will cover various time periods and examine the complexities surrounding naval warfare and its political implications.
Rudolph Rittmeyer
Seekriege und Seekriegswesen, Zweiter Band in ihrer weltgeschichtlichen Entwicklung. Mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der grossen Seekriege des XVII. and XVIII. Jahrhunderts.
"Seekriege und Seekriegswesen, Zweiter Band" by Rudolph Rittmeyer is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the development of naval warfare, particularly focusing on major naval conflicts during the 17th and 18th centuries, with a specific emphasis on the period from 1739 to 1793. Rittmeyer, a retired admiral, aims to present an objective depiction of naval battles, drawing from various national sources to ensure a comprehensive exploration of maritime history in this era. The opening of this second volume begins with a preface where Rittmeyer explains his methodologies for documenting naval history. He emphasizes the importance of utilizing the best sources from different countries to create a balanced account of naval operations. The text sets the stage for the exploration of key developments in naval strategy and tactics, as well as the geopolitical underpinnings of major conflicts such as the Anglo-Spanish War and the Seven Years' War. The author notes that this period saw a rise in the importance of colonies and maritime dominance as key elements influencing naval power.
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