With their irresistible mixture of strength, power, and awesome beauty, nothing will ever match the battleship as the symbol of naval might. The World's Great Battleships is an in-depth study of these magnificent fighting vessels throughout history. Beginning with the lumbering hulks of the late Middle Ages, it charts the story of the battleship to their decline after WWII. The authoritative text documents the continued attempts of designers to both maximize firepower and bolster protection. This volume is highly illustrated with over 120 b/w photos and color illustrations, many of which show cut-away views. Also included are specifications such as armament, displacement, dimensions, propulsion, speed, and complement. Sail the seas with the mightiest ships to have ever left port, like the Dreadnought, Bismarck, Tirpitz, Yamato, and Iowa.