Sailing Ships of War, 1400-1860

Book excerpt: Without the three-masted fully rigged ship the European discovery of the Americas, the Indies, and the Far East would have been impossible; without its broadside battery of cannon European domination of these areas would never have been achieved. Thus the sailing ship of war played a significant part in the shaping of the modern world. Fighting ships were the principal instruments of national power and the largest and most complex machines of their day. This book is a comprehensive survey of their technical development from 1400 to 1860, from the advent of the three-masted ship to the eclipse of naval sail. Incorporating much new information the book deals in detail with the hull design and construction, fittings, armament, masting, rigging, and appearance of wooden warships. Special attention has been paid to the numerous illustrations which include plans and diagrams, and photographs of the most accurate contemporary models, prints and paintings