Customer Reviews

The Naval Institute Guide to the Soviet Navy

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The Soviets had passed into history the same year the book was published, and 15 years had passed since. In that time, much more data had come about from the Russians, the Internet flourished, and many previously held views had changed.

But the book still isn't obsolete in its own way. The Internet (and even most books) are biased towards the flashy. Subs, lots of coverage, even though old ones. Carriers ... good coverage as well. Cruisers, destroyers, frigates, quite a bit there too. But in the process, the mundane stuff - from auxiliaries to organization are left in the mud.

I've had the personal grief of trying to find out the Russian "BCh" (departments), the Russian warship ranking scheme and the jobs of the ranks. And this is where this book can fill in.

Even with the more commonly known equipment, one can compare the estimates made then to the estimates made now. It is quite interesting to see what had been accurately predicted, and what wasn't.

The book is recommended for at least anybody that wishes to probe deeper into the Russian Navy than what common Internet fare provides. If all you care about are pretty ships, well, think about it anyway - lots of good pictures (B/W unfortunately) are in this book.

Though the Soviet Navy has passed into the annals of history, those that remember the days of the cold war with fascination or students of naval history would be well suited to add this volume to their library. Polmar presents a richly detailed guide to the ships and submarines of the Soviet Navy as of 1991, their weapon and electronic systems, the personnel and administrative structures, and the the vast fleet of auxiliaries and smaller vessels. The photos are numerous, the writing detailed, and the background history fascinating.

Though this book can be still be ordered new, you would be well suited to buy this through Amazon used. I bought my copy for $6 and considering the cost when it was first published, I consider it an unbelievable bargain.