This title features more than 200 archive and museum photographs. It examines the origins and evolution of early battleships, from the Gloire and Warrior through to the Erzherzog class. It includes a country-by-country guide to over 60 of the major vessels and classes of the pre-Dreadnought era, with information about the construction, appearance, function and history of each. It features more than 200 photographs, illustrations and diagrams bring to life the history of these amazing fighting vessels. It offers information panels that provide at-a-glance access to specifications such as the vessel's country of origin, size, weight, speed, and much more. It includes detailed personal anecdotes about the people who were the driving force behind the construction and evolution of these fascinating vessels. This meticulously researched book examines the evolution of battleships prior to HMS Dreadnought in the early 20th century. The book provides vivid accounts of the operations in which these groundbreaking vessels played a crucial role, the commanders in charge, and the people instrumental in their design. It features a comprehensive country-by-country directory of more than 60 of the battleships of the era, providing lively facts about the history, construction, appearance and function of each. With more than 200 photographs, illustrations and paintings, the book is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of ships and the conflicts of the period.