Berliner Zinnfiguren/Books & Media/Books/Naval/General products

Lockyer, Adam: Conventional Maritime Deterrence 46,95 €

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 07:25:09 +0200

A conceptual framework for understanding the critical role of naval operations in deterrence strategies
A future clash between the United States and China would occur across the seas, islands, and peninsulas of the Indo-Pacific region. Thus, mastering maritime deterrencecreating and displaying naval power to discourage an attackis vital for peace.
Conventional Maritime Deterrence revives and updates our understanding of how deterrence at sea differs from its terrestrial counterpart. Adam Lockyer examines four types of maritime deterrence strategies: offensive sea control, defensive sea control, offensive sea denial, and defensive sea denial. These fleet operations showcase what crises a nation can plan to respond to, how it can intend to respond, and the likely success of these efforts. Lockyer conducts analysis of cases throughout history and also takes a deeper look at the US Maritime Strategy from the late Cold War in the Pacific, ultimately finding that the credibility of conventional maritime deterrence rests upon what a naval power can be seen to do rather than what it can do.
This book will provide policymakers, naval officers, and scholars of international relations with insight into maritime deterrence for both current and future contests.

Mazuirek, Jacob A.: The Evolution of Naval Mine Warfare 44,95 €

Sat, 30 May 2026 07:50:09 +0200

Naval mines and mine countermeasures have been part of mainstream history from 1777 to the present day, including actions in the Middle East and Ukraine. From the naval mine contract that led to the modern oil industry, Nobel prizes, and the invention of plywood to mines used by countries without navies to sink dozens of armored vessels, the impact of naval mines on culture, history, and social development cannot be understated. This book offers much for history enthusiasts. For military readers, it teaches the realities and concepts of naval mines as a part of joint operations. For political and military leaders, it is a primer about an unfamiliar warfare area. For mine warriors and others, it tells of the proud heritage of the least understood part of the Navy: the vast category of weapons that threaten global shipping time and time again.

Giménez, J. J. Herrero: The Spanish Armada From the Spanish Perspective 32,95 €

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:05:06 +0200

The image of Sir Francis Drake calmly playing bowls on Plymouth Hoe, despite the sighting of the Spanish Armada, has gone down in history as one of the great examples of English composure. In reality, the English commander knew that the wind and tides made it impossible for the English fleet to put to sea at that particular moment. This forms part of the narrative surrounding what is considered one of England's greatest triumphs; for the Spanish, however, the defeat of the Duke of Medina Sidonia's fleet remains deeply etched in their collective memoryperhaps the most humiliating episode in their history. At the mere mention of the name, they react with indignation, vehemently asserting that the Armada was defeated by storms and foul weatherand not by the Royal Navy. For the first time in the English-speaking world, this pivotal battle is analyzed by a Spaniard, drawing upon contemporary Spanish accounts as well as more recent critical historical scholarship. The background to the conflict between Philip II and Elizabeth Ithe Anglo-Spanish War of 15851604is elucidated from a Spanish perspective; furthermore, the key figures of that erasuch as Álvaro de Bazán, Alexander Farnese, and, of course, Drake and Hawkinsare portrayed in a somewhat different light than is typically presented to British readers. The work, *The Spanish Armada from the Spanish Perspective*, opens with a description of the Spanish navyits origins and compositionalong with an examination of the common assertion that it was the finest in the world at that time. Spanish dominance in the western Mediterranean and the Atlantic is outlined, and the great galleons of the era, as well as their capabilities, are described. The organization and composition of the Armada are examined in detail, as are the seven squadrons into which it was divided. Its ships and commanders are examined in depthparticularly its supreme commander, the Duke of Medina Sidonia, a man who possessed scant nautical knowledge. All of this serves as a prelude to the Armadas departure and its dramatic voyage toward England. The battleor, more precisely, the five engagements that took place on July 31, 1588, off Plymouth; on August 2 off Portland Bill; on August 3 and 4 off the Isle of Wight; and, as the final battle, on August 7 off Gravelines (Calais)forms the central focus of this book. Equally compelling is the account of the arduous return journey undertaken by the few ships that survived the battlesa route skirting the coasts of Scotland and Ireland, where foul weather ultimately claimed many of the vessels, and where, moreover, a great number of those sailors who managed to swim ashore were killed immediately upon reaching land. The fate of many of these captives is brought to light. The book also lists the key Spanish commanders who lost their lives during the battles or on the return voyagefigures such as Juan Martínez de Recalde and Miguel de Oquendo. Finally, the aftermath of the campaign is examined from the Spanish perspective. Did Spain succeed in rapidly recovering from the terrible losses it had suffered? Did England capitalize on the weakened position in which the Spanish navy now found itself? Perhaps, at last, a truly balanced view of the Spanish Armadas defeat can be attained, now that we are finally able to examine these events from the Spanish perspective as well.

Janin, Hunt/Sheehan, Nicole: Pirates and Privateers of the Atlantic and the Caribbean 32,95 €

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:05:10 +0200

This is the most recent and comprehensive study of international privateering in the 18th and 19th centuries. The work begins by focusing on the vessels themselvesprivately financed and privately owned craft specifically designed, outfitted, and manned to seek out, pursue, capture, sink, or burn enemy ships on behalf of a national or local government. Furthermore, the study sheds light on the officers and sailors aboard these vessels, the investors who financed this legal enterprise, and the ethnically diverse composition of some of the crews; it also discusses the role of European and other women who played an indirect yet significant part in the world of privateering. With its global perspectiveencompassing both land and seaon the maritime, political, and economic contexts of privateering, the book covers the following topics: privateers in the American Revolutionary War between the United States and Great Britain; Frances pivotal role in that same conflict; privateers in the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain; privateers in the Carolinas and the Caribbean; Latin American privateers in the service of insurgents; prominent figures in privateering; ethnic minorities and women in the privateering sphere; and naval artillery in the Age of Sail.

Cooper, Iver P.: Work at Sea 44,95 €

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:00:07 +0200

For millennia, ships have been used to fish, transport passengers and cargo, and convey divers to specific locationswhether for harvesting marine life, salvaging wrecks, or conducting scientific studies. Anchors must be raised or lowered, rigging adjusted, and cargo loaded, stowed, and ultimately delivered. Utilizing navigation, equipment, and specialized proceduresand regardless of the vagaries of wind and wavesships must be safely steered to their destinations; moreover, they must communicate with other vessels or with shore, all while operating within a framework that encompasses aspects such as efficiency and safety. From both scientific and historical perspectives, this book explores innovations in the hardware and methods employed in work performed on (and beneath) the sea. With a focus on the functional mechanics of the technology, this vivid and richly illustrated account traces the evolution of the technologies and procedures that have emerged over centuries of seafaring.

Orr, Andrew: The Flight of the Vikings 19,95 €

Wed, 27 May 2026 07:00:07 +0200

When the full might of Germany descended upon neutral Norway without warning in April 1940, many brave Norwegians sought to flee to Great Britain to join the fight against the occupation of their homeland. The most obvious route to freedom lay in crossing the treacherous North Sea in small boatsa journey undertaken in the true tradition of their Viking ancestors. These courageous Norwegians were fleeing the perils of betrayal by collaborators and persecution by the Gestapo, yet they were firmly resolved to return as avengers against their oppressors. For the first time, the stories of these remarkable escapes have been woven into a single, comprehensive Viking saga, set against the social and military backdrop of the German occupation. Extensive research has brought to light many previously unknown boats and dramatic escapes; it is now known that at least 360 vessels, carrying over 4,000 refugees, successfully crossed to the Allied side. The subsequent journey of these avenging refugees is traced through their service in the renowned "Kompani Linge" commandos, the famous "Shetland Bus" operations, and other Free Norwegian forces. The German intelligence service's attempts to infiltrate spies are exposedas is the story of how most of them were captured and turned into double agents. Hitler dreamed of transforming Norway into a semi-autonomous Aryan utopia, but his ambitions were thwarted by the tenacious resistance of the Norwegian people and by the "Free Vikings" who returned to wage war against him.

Heinemann, Winfried: Suezkrise und Ungarischer Volksaufstand 1956 18,00 €

Sun, 24 May 2026 08:30:08 +0200

How the Hungarian Uprising and the Struggle for the Suez Canal Brought NATO to the Brink. 1956: Soviet troops crush the Hungarian Uprising while Western powers attack Egypt. Winfried Heinemann analyzes this dual crisis as a severe test for NATO. It was about more than just the Suez Canal: at stake were U.S. dominance and Europe's capacity for independent action. A brilliant study on the interplay of military and economic factorsmore relevant today than ever. The series "Wars of the Modern Era," published by the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr, makes the latest research findings accessible to a broad audience. The most significant military crises and armed conflicts of recent centuries are vividly presented and analyzedexamining both the course of the hostilities themselves and their political and cultural contexts.

Brandt, Lars-Kristian: Ostseefähren 24,95 €

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:05:06 +0200

The history of Baltic Sea ferries from Germany to Scandinavia and the Baltic States, from the first international ferry connection Warnemünde-Gedser in 1903 to the ferries and routes of today. A lavishly illustrated compendium of Baltic Sea ferries in the bordering countries, featuring numerous pictures and information on history, shipping companies, ships, locations, and important milestones.

Navy Ops. Flugzeugträger und Mehr. Volume 24 (2/2026) 10,90 €

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:01:28 +0200

Issue 24 of Navy Ops features a cover story on the NATO exercise Steadfast Dart, held in early 2026, with strong Spanish and Turkish participation. The fifth installment of the ongoing series on the Kitty Hawk class examines the final years of service for the two sister ships, Kitty Hawk and Constellation. An exclusive report takes a look at the recently launched construction program for China's fourth aircraft carrier, which will likely be nuclear-powered. Spectacular photos of the first sea trials of the new USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), the second Gerald R. Ford-class carrier, are also presented. Furthermore, the author provides a detailed overview of the Greek Hydra-class frigates. A comprehensive ship profile showcases the Akula-class nuclear submarines, which form the backbone of Russia's attack submarine fleet. And a report analyzes the sinking of the Iranian frigate Dena by the American attack submarine USS Charlotte (SSN-766) in early March 2026. These and many other exciting topics can be found in Navy Ops issue no. 24.

Dodson, Aidan: Before the Battlecruiser. The Big Cruiser in the World's Navies 1865-1910 24,95 €

Fri, 01 May 2026 07:45:09 +0200

In this book by Aidan Dobson, the approximately 200 large cruisers built for the world's navies from 1865 onward are described and analyzed in detail. The type originated in the 1860s when the French built a series of ocean-going ironclads to demonstrate their power in the Far East. Great Britain followed suit, as did Russia. In the 1890s, the widespread adoption of these fast, heavily armed, and moderately armored ships ushered in the golden age of the large cruiser. The design, development, and operation of all these great ships are recounted with the author's customary attention to detail and depth of analysis, and will captivate naval enthusiasts and historians of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The battlecruiser is considered by many to be the most glorious warship, remembered for its triumphs and tragedies in both World Wars. Often forgotten are its linear ancestors, the large cruisers, built as capital ships for distant waters, as commerce raiders, and as fast scouts for the navy in the last decades of the 19th century and the first years of the 20th century. These large ships became key combatants in the Spanish-American War of 1898 and the Russo-Japanese War of 1904/1905, with the Japanese using them in the battle fleet in a way that foreshadowed later battlecruiser tactics.

Mulder, Jantinus: Warship. No. 20: Gunboat Soemba 21,95 €

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:00:08 +0200

The HNLMS Soemba was a Flores-class gunboat built in the mid-1920s for the Royal Netherlands Navy to patrol the Dutch East Indies. She had a displacement of only 1,450 tons and was originally armed with three 150 mm guns, supplemented by anti-aircraft and smaller weapons for self-defense. Thanks to her high bow, she was a successful ship with good seaworthiness. She was not heavily armored, but designed for flexibility and maneuverability in coastal waters. The Flores and the Soemba enjoyed impressive careers and became known as the "Terrible Twins" during World War II.

Walter, Brian E.: Blue Water War 16,95 €

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:50:08 +0200

For three millennia, the Mediterranean Sea was the center of Western civilization and the scene of numerous epic wars and naval battles. In the early summer of 1940, this ancient body of water once again became the stage for a major conflict when the Kingdom of Italy challenged Great Britain for regional supremacy. France was on the verge of collapse, and Britain faced the threat of invasion. The Italians hoped to regain control of the Mediterranean. Standing in their way was the vastly outnumbered British Mediterranean Fleet, as well as the equally outnumbered British land and air forces in the region. These forces would jointly determine whether the Mediterranean would fall back under Italian rule or whether the Allies would maintain control of this vast body of water. This book tells the story of this epic struggle. It was a protracted and massive conflict, fought at various times against the combined forces of Italy, Germany, and the Vichy regime across a vast area stretching from the coastal waters of Southern Europe in the north to Madagascar in the south, and from the Atlantic coast of Africa in the west to the Persian Gulf in the east. Using a variety of weapons systems, including surface warships, submarines, and aircraft, as well as substantial merchant fleets, the British and their later American partners secured vital sea lanes, conducted numerous amphibious landings, disrupted Axis supply lines, and ultimately eliminated all Axis naval power in the theater. These actions, in turn, enabled numerous Allied victories that contributed to the defeat of the European Axis powers.

Stille, Mark/Laurier, Jim (Illustr.): Battle of the Atlantic. Band 3: The Final Collapse of the U-boats, 1943-45 19,95 €

Tue, 12 May 2026 07:00:12 +0200

In May 1943, Admiral Dönitz's U-boat fleet suffered a decisive defeat in the North Atlantic. Forced to cease attacks, he shifted the focus of U-boat operations to the Central Atlantic, but was intercepted and defeated there by US carrier escort groups. In September 1943, Dönitz attempted to resume operations in the North Atlantic. Despite initial successes, the plan to restart large-scale U-boat operations in the open Atlantic failed. Dönitz then concentrated on maintaining U-boat strength to repel an expected Allied invasion. When the invasion occurred in June 1944, the Germans did everything they could to disrupt the landings with U-boats, but this too ended in disaster. The focus then shifted to British waters. Naval historian Mark Stille concludes his trilogy on the Battle of the Atlantic with an examination of the reasons for the failure of the U-boat offensive against the Allied convoys. He discusses the new technologies and tactics employed by the Germans, demonstrates why the escort ships were so effective, and explains how the U-boats held out until the very end. With illustrations, historical photographs, and detailed maps, this book illuminates German strategy during this seemingly hopeless phase of the war and clarifies how Allied reconnaissance and numerical superiority contributed to victory.

Glock, Michal: Warships of the Schichau Company 1878-1945 29,95 €

Tue, 12 May 2026 07:00:12 +0200

The book is a study of the warship construction of the Schichau concern between 1878 and 1945, with a strong focus on the shipyard in Elbing and its connections to Danzig, Königsberg and Pillau. The book traces the remarkable growth of Schichau's ship production - from early small torpedo boats to large destroyers - and places this development in the wider context of German naval expansion, industrial history and the changing political landscape of Central and Eastern Europe. It also explores lesser-known but extremely exciting stories associated with the ships built by Schichau, including vessels and warships linked to Polish history and service under the Polish flag. Drawing on post-war ship registers, monographs, specialised studies, fleet lists and archival materials, the author presents a detailed yet accessible account of Schichau's achievements in shipbuilding. This is a title for readers interested in naval history, shipbuilding technology, German and Polish maritime history and the industrial heritage of Elbing.

Lai, Benjamin: Hegemony in the South China Seas 24,95 €

Tue, 12 May 2026 07:00:12 +0200

A volume from the series Asia @ War. The battle of 1974 was fought between the crumbling regime of the Republic of Vietnam, better known as South Vietnam, in the final stages of the Vietnam War. The battle ended in an overwhelming victory for China and left bitter memories for many Vietnamese, especially those who went into exile in the West after the collapse of South Vietnam. This battle was significant because it was Mao China's first naval battle. The second naval battle, this time between the socialist brothers Vietnam and China, took place in 1979. In this battle, three Vietnamese armed ships were captured and China's dominance in the Xisha/Paracel Islands area was secured. A third confrontation took place in 1988 and ended with another Chinese victory, which clouded relations between the two socialist nations for many years. Although these battles ended in victory for the Chinese, they did not bring peace, and disputes over the South China Sea continue to make headlines today. This book serves as an introduction to the current tensions in the South China Sea, describes the history of the conflict, and includes a timeline of events to help readers understand current events and their impact on modern power politics, particularly between China and the US.

Lanata, Vincent: Les Grandes Batailles Navales de l'Histoire 1789-1945 29,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:40:09 +0200

From 1789 to 1945, naval warfare repeatedly shifted the balance of power. The French navy experienced both glorious and dark moments, and on all the world's oceans, the fleets of the great powers pursued their ambitions and rivaled each other for supremacy. Air Force General Vincent Lanata offers a unique perspective on this epic story, combining strategic thinking with his passion for history. From Abukir to the Coral Sea, from Mers el-Kébir to the Battle of the Atlantic, this saga takes us to the heart of the naval battles and their pioneers: admirals, engineers and pilots. This history lesson reads like a novel, marked by the technological developments of the navy, both in navigation and armament. The battles, initially on the surface, spread to the depths of the sea and the airspace. When the fate of nations is decided on the seas... A narrative about history, war and strategy.

Seefahrtsmythen 26,90 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:30:23 +0200

Ghost ships and their secrets. With Seefahrtsmythen (Seafaring Myths), Joslan F. Keller invites readers on a journey of discovery through the mysteries of the seas. The fascination with unmanned ships and missing crews comes to life in 30 gripping stories that appeal to both history and fantasy. Keller skilfully combines facts with mysticism, creating an incomparable reading experience. Joslan Keller's book surprises not only with its literary skill, but also with 30 detailed illustrations that bring the stories to life. Whether you are a passionate sailor or a curious reader, this book has something for everyone. The combination of real events and captivating legends creates suspense and awakens the spirit of discovery.

Navy Ops. Flugzeugträger und Mehr. Volume 23 (1/2026) 10,90 €

Sun, 24 May 2026 08:30:08 +0200

Issue 23 of Navy Ops features a cover story profiling the new Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian, which entered service with the PLAN in early November 2025. In the fourth part of our ongoing series on the Kitty Hawk class, we take a look at the launch of the USS John F. Kennedy and continue our coverage of its sister ships Kitty Hawk, Constellation and America. In a photo report, we take a look at the world's newest submarines and also examine the current status of the US Navy's ongoing nuclear submarine programmes. And we present spectacular photos of the sea trials of the Sichuan, the world's largest amphibious assault ship. We also take a detailed look at the Russian Kirov-class nuclear cruisers. They are currently the largest combat ships on the world's oceans. In a report, we shed light on the background to the salvage of the Imperial submarine U16 off the German North Sea coast. And in an exclusive article, we analyse US President Donald Trump's announcement about the construction of new gigantic battleships for the US Navy. You can find these and many other topics in Navy Ops No. 23.

Gunnarson, Jacob/Polmar, Norman: Submarine Aircraft Carriers 37,95 €

Sun, 24 May 2026 08:30:08 +0200

At the beginning of the 20th century, two innovations appeared in the field of weaponry that revolutionised warfare and turned it into a multidimensional contest: the modern diesel-powered submarine and the fixed-wing aircraft. Both were widely used during the First World War, and the nations of the world soon developed mobile launch pads for aircraft during and after the war, first on surface ships and later on submarines. The submarine aircraft carrier was born. Virtually nothing has been written about these weapons until now. Submarine aircraft carriers were pursued by all the major naval powers of the world: the United States, Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Japan and the Soviet Union. Germany was the leader in this field, and although its efforts during the First World War did not result in the deployment of any ships, rumours of such a submarine caused widespread panic in New York City in 1918. Despite intensive efforts in the 1920s and 1930s, only Japan and France had seaworthy submarine aircraft carriers at the outbreak of the Second World War. The only French ship of this type disappeared at sea in 1942, but Japan built 47, including three of the giant I-400 class, the largest submarines of the Second World War. Japanese submarine aircraft carriers carried out the only air raid on the mainland United States when an aircraft launched from a submarine dropped bombs over Oregon. The three I-400s played an important role in Japan's never-realised plans to attack the Panama Canal, New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as in Operation Cherry Blossoms at Night, Japan's last desperate plan to spread bubonic plague and other pathogens in California's coastal cities. After World War II, both the United States and the Soviet Union pursued the further development of submarine aircraft carriers as part of their nuclear strike capabilitiesincluding some imaginative ideas for truly gigantic submarines from which bomber aircraft would be launchedbut the advent of guided missiles quickly ended interest in these vessels. In this story, Jacob Gunnarson and Norman Polmar draw on more than sixty years of research and writing about the world's naval vessels to uncover the development of submarine aircraft carriers. Their story reveals much about 20th-century naval strategy, tactics and technology.

Konstam, Angus/Tooby, Adam (Illustr.): ABDA Striking Force 1942 18,95 €

Tue, 12 May 2026 07:00:12 +0200

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the almost simultaneous invasions of the Philippines and Malaya were soon followed by the invasion of oil-rich Dutch East Indies. In mid-January, the American-British-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) Command was established to unite the available forces, with the naval component being the most integrated. It was the first joint Allied fleet of the Second World War. In this book, naval historian Angus Konstam examines this almost forgotten formation, which was tasked with defending the Malayan Barrier and preventing Japanese access to the Indian Ocean and Australian waters. Its brief success at the Battle of Belikpapan in January 1942 was followed by a relentless, gruelling erosion of ABDACOM forces during a series of naval battles fought in the straits and islands of the southern Java Sea. Outnumbered and without sufficient air support, this was a hopeless task, ending in the destruction of the fleet in the battles in the Java Sea and the Sunda Strait. With numerous illustrations and photographs, this book documents the rise and fall of the ABDACOM fleet a unique mix of cruisers and destroyers from four Allied navies and its achievements in confronting the Imperial Japanese Navy.