Shipwright 2010

Historic Ships

Frigate Surprise

Line of Battle

Ship of the Line

Seamanship in Age of Sail

Tall Ships

John L. Coombes, Exisle, ISBN 090898884 2

This gloriously illustrated book covers the sixteen square-rigged ships that make their home in Australian and New Zealand waters – Alma Doepel, Bounty, Duyfken, Endeavour, Enterprize, James Craig, Lady Nelson, Leeuwin II, One and All, Our Svanen, R Tucker Thompson, Solway Lass, Soren Larsen, Spirit of New Zealand, Windeward Bound and Young Endeavour.

Each of the ships is a piece of living history offering an insight into a way of life that we will not see again.

The book is clearly a labour of love (the result of three years’ work and 48,000 kilometres of travel) and as author/photographer John Coombes says in his introduction (a sentiment that Julian of course heartily endorses): “Tall ships are possibly the most perfect combination of beauty and function that man has been able to design...”

Shipwright 2010

John Bowen, Martin Robson eds, Conway Maritime, ISBN 978-1844-861088

After keeping a log on Julian’s website of the build of his model of Teazer John Thompson was invited to write about his experiences for Shipwright 2010. The result was: “HMS Teazer (1801). Or the Misadventures of a Novice Modeller in the World of Literature”, a 28-page article in the book.

Among the other fascinating pieces, all lavishly illustrated in full colour:-

An Interview with Dr Kevin Fewster, Director of the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.
The Mary Rose: An Artist’s View by Geoff Hunt RSMA.
HMS Invincible (1747-58): Archaeology Provides 250-Year-Old Technical Details by John M. Bingeman.

This first edition of the Annual has an impressive lineup of material, not only by model makers for model makers but discussions of new findings relating to ship design and construction by experts in their fields.

Britain’s Historic Ships

Paul Brown, Conway Maritime, ISBN 978-1844-860937

In Britain’s ports and up and down her waterways you can find a fascinating array of preserved ships and boats, live historicals you can actually reach out and touch. This historic fleet ranges from the mighty ship-of-the-line HMS Victory to more humble craft like the last surviving British steam coaster Robin. Some of these vessels have taken part in great battles and campaigns – Trafalgar, Jutland and Gallipoli, the Falklands; others represent supreme feats of engineering such as SS Great Britain, took part in legendary races or were involved in exploration or trade.

This beautiful book features over 50 ships and boats, and includes their design, construction, service history, restoration and preservation. The majority of them are open to the public and each has a unique story to tell.

The Frigate Surprise

Brian Lavery & Geoff Hunt, Conway Maritime, ISBN 978-1844-860746

There is no more famous vessel in naval fiction than HMS Surprise. This 28 gun frigate also had a most eventful real career serving in both the French and then the Royal Navy following her capture by HMS Inconstant in 1796. She was decommissioned in 1802 and delivered to the fictional captaincy of Jack Aubrey.

This lavishly-illustrated book is a collaboration between naval historian Brian Lavery and marine painter Geoff Hunt and not only reveals the complete career history (both historical and fictional) but presents an all-embracing construction and fitting history.

Collectors of fine sea books will be interested to note that a Limited Edition of the book was produced.

The Line of Battle, The Sailing Warship 1650-1840

Robert Gardiner Ed, Conway Maritime, ISBN 0-85177-954-9

Re‑released in large‑format paperback, this is the best‑selling title in Conway's authoritative series "History of the Ship".

Although purpose‑built fighting ships had existed earlier, the principal characteristics of the classic sailing ship were only defined in the mid‑seventeenth century.

Each chapter in "The Line of Battle" is by recognised experts in the field, including Karl Heinz Marquardt (the fore and aft rigged warship); Brian Lavery (the ship of the line); and Robert Gardiner (guns and gunnery).

The Ship of the Line

Brian Lavery, Conway Maritime, ISBN 0851 772 528  

This is the first of a two-volume study, regarded as the definitive work in the area. It outlines the history and technical development of the battle fleet from 1650 to 1850. The second volume deals with hull design and construction, rigging, armament and fittings.

Seamanship in the Age of Sail

John Harland, Conway Maritime ISBN 0 85177 179 3  

When Julian is asked what books he suggests for people to learn more about Kydd's world, he generally recommends Lavery's Nelson's Navy and John Harland's Seamanship in the Age of Sail. Harland's work came out in 1984, and is a classic of its type. Every aspect of handling a man-of-war is detailed and illustrated with superb line drawings by Mark Myers and the book is designed by Geoff Hunt. A definitive guide as to how the ships of Kydd's day were actually sailed.