Customer Reviews

The Construction and Fitting of the English Man of War: 1650-1850

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This book is an outstanding reference work for anyone desiring detailed information on English (or Colonial American) warship construction. It is profusely illustrated with crisp line drawings and black-and-white photographs of both models and the few preserved period warships still in existence. It covers every aspect of hull construction, from keel to bulwark rail, and describes in detail the many internal and external fittings.

The book covers hull framing (including the various "systems" devised and used by the Royal Navy), the construction and placement of bulkheads and partitions, and internal furniture such as pumps, capstans, galley, etc. For example, this is the only book I have found that discusses the construction and use of the "portable" bulkheads used to partition off cabins on the various gun decks. Great attention is paid to changes and improvements over the years, along with approximate dates at which these changes became generally accepted.

However, the most unique aspect of this work is the provision of extensive tables and formulae which allow accurate reconstruction of the dimensions and placement of the many hull components, for a wide range of ship sizes and types. In my opinion it is this, more than anything else, that makes this book especially valuable to the serious student of period naval architecture, or the avid ship model builder.

One of the more vexing problems for those of us interested in faithfully reproducing or modeling wooden ships of the Roayl Navy is how, in precise detail, did they actually DO that. Mr. Goodwin's thorough work, examples from surviving vessels, and superb drawing provide many of these answers. As one example, I wanted to know the probable dimensions of a third futtock at the rail for a twenty gun ship. The answer was available in tabular format, both for the period I was interested in, and for contrast, a number of other establishment listings as well.

This book belongs in the working library of anyone serious about the construction and workings of these vessels, either as a serious hobby, or just because there were once upon a time wooden ships and iron men.

One of the three most important books detailing construction of historic British warships, Mr. Goodwin's volume comprehensively illustrates construction for individuals with historical or modeling interests. Mr. Goodwin's engineering background provides clear, concise explanations and illustrations to obscure, easily misunderstood nautical features and compnents. If you have an interest in an era of historical sail which profoundly affected our modern world, you will find Construction and Fitting of the English Man-of-War an invaluable resource.

Good, though general, information about naval architecture of the period. The title describes the book well. However, it stop at the decks, anyone interested in rigging details will have to look further. Good book for modelers.