The modern battleship era began with the launch of HMS Dreadnought in 1906. They were the biggest and most complicated things built by human hand. Battleships became symbols of national prestige and despite their crippling cost, these mighty ships were built by many of the world`s navies. Even today many remain household names. The losses of the Hood, Bismarck, Yamato and Arizona still echo through the decades, filling us with awe and fascination. And yet the era of the dreadnought lasted little more than forty years. By then these majestic warriors of the sea were overshadowed by the dominance of air power. A few lingered on, but the golden age of the battleship was over. One of our most authoritative naval authors, Richard Hough, has written a superb history of the dreadnoughts. Highly illustrated with photos and drawings, it is a masterful reference source as well as a hugely engaging history of the "big-gun" era. "A real contribution to battleship history... the photographs are outstanding." The Daily Telegraph "... opulent and painstaking tribute to the dreadnought as a breed... An All-Big-Gun book, largely printed, magnificently illustrated... a connoisseur`s superb and affectionate album." Times Literary Supplement BY Richard Hough ISBN no 1904381111 21.5x27.5cm 268pages with 246 photos & illustrations