Naval Shipbuilders of the World: From the Age of Sail to the Present Day Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The book by Robert Winklareth has undoubtedly a unique place among books concerning naval history. There are some books dedicated to history of individual shipbuilders, but this is probably the first book describing history of naval shipbuilders throughout the world.
The book consists of 12 chapters, glossary, bibliography, and index (384 pages of text plus 16 pages of illustrations). After introductory chapter about evolution of naval shipbuilding follows a description of all naval shipbuilders, country by country. Each chapter is dedicated to any of major naval powers (UK, USA, France, Japan, Germany, Italy, Russia, The Netherlands) or groups of states (Scandinavia, Other European Nations, The Rest of World). There is a clear attempt to describe history of all naval shipbuilders and even naval facilities involved in maintenance of warships. Description of each shipbuilder usually includes its location, history, and names of major warships built there (however, there is not a separately list of those warships - their names are mentioned throughout the text). Description of major shipbuilders is usually accompanied by a simple scheme/map showing location of docks, slipways, basins, and other facilities. There are also simple maps showing location of dockyards, shipyards, and naval bases.
Not surprisingly, the most detailed description relates to shipbuilders from the UK and the USA. Comprehensive description is dedicated also to shipbuilders from France, Japan, Germany, Italy and The Netherlands (description of Russian shipbuilders will be examined separately). Shipbuilders of other countries are described sufficiently, although usually not in more detail. Moreover, the latest developments are omitted for some countries (for example, construction of the Halifax-class frigates in Canada during the 90s is not mentioned). However, as more problematic feature of the book seems to be omission of some countries as for example Finland, South Africa or both Koreas.
Another problematic feature of the book is unbalanced description of Russian shipbuilders. There is a sufficient description of shipbuilders located in Baltic area, especially in St.Petersburg. On the other hand, description of other major Russian shipbuilders is only brief and sometimes inaccurate. For example building of submarines in Krasnoe Sormovo Shipyard in Nizhni Novgorod (during Soviet era named Gorki) is described as only construction of "pre-fabrication of submarine sections that are transported to other shipyards for final assembly" (p. 307). Krasnoe Sormovo Shipyard has built, in fact, 21 nuclear subs (!) and dozens of conventional subs. Minor Russian naval shipbuilders are not mentioned at all. Not very detailed description of Russian naval shipbuilders is understandable because of absence of reliable sources in English language. There are, however, many books and articles in Russian language concerning history of naval shipbuilding in Russia/USSR published in recent years. The most comprehensive source seems to be the book "Istoria otechestvennogo sudostroenia" (History of Home Shipbuilding) in five volumes published during 1991-1996. Unfortunately, this excellent book is useful only for those naval enthusiasts who are able to read in Russian.
Conclusion: The book "Naval Shipbuilders of the World" represents undoubtedly a significant contribution to naval historical literature. It should not miss in library of each naval enthusiast. Weaknesses mentioned above do not reduce overall value of this book. Nevertheless, any complementary book fulfilling omissions and amending inaccuracies would be desirable.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Naval Shipbuilders of the World: From the Age of Sail to the Present Day

From the construction of primitive war galleys in the first millenium BC to today's most technically advanced warship, historians have paid almost exclusive attention to the famous ships and their naval battles. This book fills a void in maritime history by providing comprehensive information on the shipyards--past and present--that built those ships. Concentrating on the last three hundred years, the author includes a concise history of the world's major naval shipyards, a map showing their locations, and for certain key shipyards, a diagram showing the general layout of the facilities. In addition, he covers warship evolution from wood and canvas to steam, steel, and electronics, as well as the concurrent changes in building methodology. Tapping a wide variety of international sources, this survey adds a fresh and fascinating perspective to the epic quest for seapower. Generously illustrated with photographs, maps and plans, it will be a welcome addition to any naval history bookshelf.