Modern Warships

Here is another inexpensive reference from Zenith Press. Addressing modern warships, this is an interesting title as this is one of the most up-to-date references on the subject in print. The authors recap the development of the post World War Two navies and the impact of nuclear power on ship designs.

While you would expect that this title would be US Navy-centric, and good coverage is provided, the authors wisely overlaid the parallel developments of the former Soviet Navies, current Russian Navy, and the naval arms of the more modern nations of the world.

The title is broken down with data and nice photos of each of the following:

• Introduction
• Post-World War II
• A Nuclear Age Navy
• Foreign Navies
• Amphibious Warfare
• Cruisers and Destroyers
• Submarines
• Littoral Combat
• The Future of Naval Warfare

If programs and concepts like LCS, SSGN, LPD, and CVF mean anything to you, this title brings you up to speed on various developments as well as similar developments abroad. In the area of Littoral Combat for instance, you'll see quite a few unique designs either in service or under evaluation by the various navies of the world.

The authors (or editor) are not quite a strong on aircraft identification as a photo on page 91 describes the MiG-29 (Fulcrum) in service as no threat to an F/A-18 Hornet (depends on who is flying the MiG-29) but the image is actually the Chinese Air Force J-10 multi-role fighter, an aircraft that looks like a cross between Israel's Lavi and the Mikoyan MiG-1.44.

The title is well-illustrated and features a variety of images that I have not seen before. Nice photos of the USS Dallas with a dry-dock shelter mounted, Sea Jet electric test ship, Sea Slice LCS prototype, and much more!

Definitely recommended for the modern naval enthusiast!

My sincere thanks to Motorbooks International for this review sample!