Berliner Zinnfiguren/Books & Media/Books/Naval products

Winfield, Rif: British Warships in the Age of Sail 1714-1792 32,95 €

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 08:20:05 +0200

The new Hanoverian dynasty, which came to power in 1714 with the accession of George I, inherited the world's largest navy. Over the course of the century, this fleet saw action in numerous conflicts against almost every major naval power; it achieved its greatest triumph during the Seven Years' War but suffered defeat in the American War of Independence when confronted by the combined naval forces of France, Spain, the Netherlands, and the rebellious colonies. Given the historical significance of these vessels, surprisingly little easily accessible material regarding their operational history has been available. This gap is now comprehensively filled by the present reference work: it documents the service history of every single shipwhether built, purchased, or capturedthat served in the Royal Navy during the major wars of the 18th century, comprising well over 2,000 vessels in total. Organized by rate, ship type, and class, the book provides technical specifications and construction details alongside a concise summary of each ship's career. This includes information on commissioning, refits, changes of command, and areas of operation (including timeframes), as well as details regarding significant engagements in which the ships participated. The work enables readers to specifically follow up on even fleeting references to individual warships and provides researchers with a solid foundation for further study. As no comparable work exists, this book is of immense importance to naval historians and interested laypeople alikeparticularly those fascinated by the navy of the Age of Sail.

Winfield, Rif: British Warships in the Age of Sail 1793-1817 32,95 €

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 08:20:05 +0200

Upon its initial publication in 2005, this book was hailed as a significant contribution to naval history, and its value as a reference work was demonstrated by how quickly it went out of print. This revised edition incorporates several important corrections while retaining the comprehensive coverage of the original, detailing well over 2,000 vesselswhether purpose-built, captured, purchased, or merely charteredthat saw service during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. In addition to technical specifications, the entries include commissioning dates, refit periods, changes of command, stations of service (and the timing thereof), and details of any engagements in which the ships participated. The book is richly illustrated with contemporary prints and drawings depicting the wide range of duties performed by naval vessels during these conflicts, while specially commissioned profile drawings illustrate the most significant classes. All in all, it is a fitting tribute to a navy that, at the height of its power in 1809, comprised half of the world's warships.

Wise, Jon: Bantry Bay to the Troubles 32,95 €

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 08:20:05 +0200

For centuries, Ireland was Great Britains nearest colonysituated practically on its own doorstep. The countrys incorporation into the United Kingdom in 1801the starting point of this accountmarked the beginning of a long era in which the Royal Navy performed a defensive role, contending with both domestic nationalist aspirations for independence and the constant threat of foreign invasion. Furthermore, Irelands geographical location later made the island a pivotal theater for the Navys anti-submarine operations during the two World Wars. Following Irelands independence in 1922, the Royal Navy supported the fledgling Irish Free State through vital coastal operations aiding the army and police, even though these measures often met with resistance from nationalist circles. This role continued even after the Republic of Ireland was established in 1949 and Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom. The final section of the book focuses on "Operation Grenada," which aimed to interdict the smuggling of illegal weapons into Northern Ireland during the Troubles; the Navys role in this deterrence patrol spanned 36 years. The legacy of what some still regard as colonial subjugation made this task consistently challengingcomplicated by the fact that, as G. K. Chesterton observed, "the English never remember anything, and the Irish never forget anything." Although much has been written about the relationship between Great Britain and Ireland, a comprehensive account of the key role played by the Royal Navy in this significant historical context has hitherto been lacking. This work fills that gap, telling a compelling story filled with political tensions and dramatic naval operations.

Winfield, Rif: British Warships in the Age of Sail 1603-1714 32,95 €

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 08:20:05 +0200

During the 17th century, Great Britain transformed from a minor state on the periphery of Europe into a global economic power whose interests were safeguarded and advanced by the world's largest navy. The character of this navy was shaped by a bloody civil war, three fiercely contested conflicts with the Dutch, and the first of many wars against France. This period saw an evolution ranging from the surviving galleonswhich had once defeated the Spanish Armadaand massive vessels of state such as the *Prince Royal* and *Sovereign of the Seas*, through the lightly built frigates of the Commonwealth era, to warships clearly recognizable as ships of the line. These profound changes in warship design and deployment can be traced in detail for the first time in this comprehensive reference work; it documents the history of every shipwhether built, acquired, or capturedthat served in the navy during this era. Like the companion volumes covering the periods 17141792 and 17931817, the book is organized by "rates," classifications, and ship classes; it provides key technical data and construction details, followed by a concise summary of the service history of each individual ship within its class. Thanks to its unparalleled wealth of information, this work is of immense value to both naval historians and enthusiasts fascinated by the navy of the age of sail.

Knowles, David: US Navy Losses during the Second World War 38,95 €

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:30:08 +0200

Prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the US Navy was already active, though its operations were limited to defensive tasks such as escorting convoys across the Atlantic. Pearl Harbor fundamentally changed this, bringing the full military might of the United States into what had become a global conflict. In the years that followed, the US Navy suffered heavy losses across all theaters of war in which it was engaged. Some of these losses were the direct result of combat operations, while others stemmed from accidents or other incidents. This richly illustrated and meticulously researched book provides a comprehensive record of all losses suffered by the US Navy during World War II.

Knowles, Daniel: Anatomy of a Ship: Scharnhorst-Class Battleships 20,95 €

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:30:08 +0200

Although they stood in the shadow of the larger *Bismarck* and *Tirpitz*, the *Scharnhorst*-class battleships hold a special place in naval and military history. As the most successful battleships of the German Kriegsmarine, they participated in some of the most significant operations and engagements of the Second World War, including Operation *Weserübung* (the invasion of Norway)during which the aircraft carrier *Glorious* was sunkOperation *Berlin* (a successful commerce-raiding mission in the Atlantic), the Channel Dash, and the Battle of the North Cape. The *Scharnhorst* holds the historical distinction of having fought the final engagement between British and German battleships. In this book, historian Daniel Knowles examines the development that led to the construction of the *Scharnhorst*-class ships and provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of the characteristics, systems, and equipment that made them Germany's most successful battleships. Richly illustrated, this work constitutes a unique and authoritative account of a legendary class of ships.

Southby-Tailyour, Ewen: A Life under Sai 38,95 €

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:30:08 +0200

Ewen Southby-Tailyours lifelong connection to small boatswhether civilian or militarybegan with an unusual christening and ended only when he sold his final vessel on his 80th birthday. In the intervening years, he undertook extensive voyages, not in "warm waters," but in colder, rarely visited regions; notable among these were the Falkland Islands, as well as the uncharted fjords of northwest Iceland and northern Norway during winter. His love for the sea was ignited at the age of just four when he accompanied a sailing trip on a trawler. Soon after, he joined the crew of the classic pilot cutter *Olga*; he sailed this vesselwhich remained in the family for over thirty yearsduring every Easter and summer holiday, mastering navigation, seamanship, and vessel handling in the process. At the Nautical College Pangbourne, he passed examinations in celestial navigation, seamanship, and signaling; although he was captain of the sailing team, he opted out of Olympic qualifying trials in favor of offshore voyages and expeditions. He served as navigator in six Fastnet Races, among other events, and acted as skipper in six "Round Britain" races for two-person crews, as well as in a solo circumnavigation of Mallorca and a two-person race around Iceland. During his overseas postings, he seized every opportunity to sail and study local vessel types, such as Arab dhows, Chinese junks, Kenyan outrigger canoes, and square-rigged ships. In the Falkland Islands, he discovered that nautical charts had not been updated since the 19th century; consequently, he spent his spare time surveying coastlines and beacheswork that later served as the basis for planning amphibious operations in 1982. His life as a sailor was, of course, not without dramatic moments: he went overboard twiceonce while sailing solo. Rough weather is part of life at sea; in his case, he found himself in a perilous situation off the coast of Iceland in Force 11 windsa fight for survival to which an entire chapter is dedicated in the seminal work *Heavy Weather Sailing*.

Collins, Nick: The Ascent of Maritime Trade 1700-2025 38,95 €

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:30:08 +0200

This is the third volume in a series highlighting maritime trade as a driving force behind world history, the creation of wealth, technological innovation, and art and literature. The book focuses on the "Maritime Enlightenment"a movement that, unlike its continental counterpart, fostered economic liberalism and humanitarian endeavors, broke with outdated views on slavery and serfdom, and places current debates regarding imperial history in a new context. It demonstrates that illegal maritime trade was the immediate trigger for the American War of Independence. Jefferson and Madison underestimated the latent, prosperity-generating potential of US trade and for years directed their energies in the wrong direction. Tensions between the Northern and Southern states of the US were exacerbated more by trade tariffs than by slavery. The failure of the French Revolution and Germanys wars in the 20th century can also be attributed to a failure to recognize this significance. The post-1945 rise of Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, China, and the UAE was directly linked to the promotion of maritime trade and shipping. Britains decline was heralded first by political indifference and later by open hostilitya stark contrast to the earlier support for the sector that had once been its greatest strength. The chapter on the shipping industry's efforts to achieve climate neutrality (net zero) is essential reading for anyone engaged in the sustainability debate.

MacDougal, Philip: Battles of the Russian Navy 1793-1815 32,95 €

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:30:08 +0200

Western historians have largely neglected the activities of the Russian Navy during the naval war against France (17931815); this book aims to remedy that oversight. During these years, Russia possessed the world's third-largest navyafter Britain and Francewith squadrons operating primarily in the Baltic, North, Black, and Mediterranean Seas, as well as the Adriatic. As Russia participated in the war against revolutionary France as a British ally, the book focuses on evaluating the Russian Navy's effectiveness during this period, paying particular attention to its cooperation with the British Royal Navy in various campaigns. The fact that some leading Russian naval officers had trained as cadets at the Portsmouth Naval Academy in England, and that certain Russian ships were commanded by officers from the British Navy, contributed significantly to the smooth conduct of these cooperative efforts. Yet this was not always the case; friction and misunderstandings occasionally marred this early example of international maritime cooperation. Relations hit rock bottom, however, during the reign of Paul I (r. 17961801), when the two navies were effectively at war and Nelson seriously considered bombarding Russias two key naval basesTallinn and Kronstadtmuch as he had Copenhagen. Although the Russian Navy of that era is primarily viewed as the creation of Catherine the Great (r. 176296), the book also gives due attention to its founding by Peter the Great (r. 16821725) and its original purpose. Throughout, the work draws on contemporary, firsthand accounts and documentsmany previously inaccessible in Britainthat shed light on the tactics and strategies employed by Russian commanders. These strategies and tacticsoften downplayed by Western naval historianswere frequently ahead of the prevailing naval doctrine of the time and led to several significant victories. Also acknowledged are the importance of shore-based infrastructure in supporting the Russian high-seas fleet, as well as the service conditions on board and the structure of the command hierarchy.

Navy Ops. Flugzeugträger und Mehr. Volume 25 (3/2026) 10,90 €

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 12:39:47 +0200

Issue 25 of *Navy Ops* features a major ship profile on the *Wasp*-class amphibious assault ships as its cover story, alongside coverage of the German Navys "Open Ship" event during Kiel Week 2025 and South Koreas nuclear-powered submarine program. In an exclusive feature, the authors profile the new French FDI-class stealth frigates, distinguished by their distinctive "inverted" bow. They also report on the latest developments at the German Naval Museum in Wilhelmshaven and introduce the Russian experimental submarine *Sarov*one of the most secretive underwater vessels in existence. Furthermore, they examine whether Finlands new *Pohjanmaa*-class ships should be classified as corvettes or full-fledged frigates. Finally, they look back at the eventful service history of the US Navys legendary first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS *Enterprise* (CVN-65). You will find these and many other fascinating topics in *Navy Ops* Issue 25!

Barcia, Manuel: Pirate Imperialism 36,95 €

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:30:08 +0200

This global history of anti-piracy efforts links the struggle against maritime predation to the expansion of empires in the nineteenth century. By the mid-nineteenth century, imperial powers across the globe were confronting local resistance in the form of piracy. From the Atlantic, the western Mediterranean, the Persian Gulf, and the East African coast to Southeast Asia and China, these powers claimed that progress was being stifled by the barbarism and greed of pirates who repeatedly attacked imperial vessels. Efforts to combat piracyjustified in the name of spreading civilization and free trade, as well as abolishing slavery and the slave tradeprovided both Western and non-Western powers with a pretext for territorial expansion and the pursuit of imperialist objectives. Historian Manuel Barcia chronicles these conflicts, demonstrating how imperial powers frequently used the fight against piracy as a pretext to consolidate Western dominance in various parts of the world, while simultaneously employing violent methods that differed little from those of the very individuals they branded as pirates.

Bianchi, Gianni: Alcide Pedretti 28,00 €

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 06:20:08 +0200

This book tells the story of Alcide Pedretti, a native of Lunigiana who was a friend and deputy to Teseo Tesei. Hailing from Bottignana near Fivizzano (Massa-Carrara), Pedretti accompanied Tesei on all his missionsAlessandria (GA1), Gibraltar (BG1), and finally the mission that cost Tesei his life: the failed attempt to breach the breakwater viaduct during Operation Malta 2.

Goldstein, Lyle J./Kozyrev, Vitaly A.: The new Cold War at Sea 39,95 €

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:40:08 +0200

This book examines the growing maritime partnership between China and Russia, highlighting how their increasingly coordinated naval strategiesspanning from the Arctic to the Pacificcould threaten US maritime supremacy. Drawing on rarely consulted Russian- and Chinese-language sources, the authors offer a timely and insightful look at the potential global shift in the balance of naval power. In early 2025, the Chinese and Russian navies, together with Iran, conducted the third in a series of trilateral naval exercises. Shortly before that, the Chinese Coast Guardalongside its Russian counterparthad carried out operations in the Arctic for the first time. This quasi-alliance between China and Russia is altering the global maritime balance of power and challenging US maritime dominance through close, enduring cooperation. Russian support has advanced Chinas aircraft carrier program, modernized its destroyers and submarines, and provided world-leading missile systems and autonomous vehiclesdevelopments that pose a threat to US allies such as Japan and the Philippines. The maritime implications of this alliance extend far beyond the Indo-Pacific, affecting oceans across the globe. *The New Cold War at Sea* reveals crucial, hitherto largely unknown details of the maritime cooperation between China and Russiafrom the Arctic, Southeast Asia, and Africa to Latin America. Drawing on a wealth of previously underutilized Chinese- and Russian-language sources, authors Lyle J. Goldstein and Vitaly A. Kozyrev provide an objective assessment of the maritime symbiosis between China and Russia. By presenting unique evidence regarding the global maritime balance of power and offering relevant policy recommendations, the book aims to spark a vital national debate on the future of American naval strategy within the emerging multipolar world order.

Yoshihara, Toshi/Holmes James R.: Red Star Over the Pacific 36,95 €

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:30:08 +0200

In this third edition of *Red Star over the Pacific*, the authors analyze how the rise of Chinese sea power challenges American primacy in maritime Asia. Drawing on the sea power theories of Alfred Thayer Mahanwhich resonate strongly with Chinese practitioners and thinkers todayas well as Chinese theorists such as Sun Tzu and Mao Zedong, they examine how strategic thinking at sea shapes Beijings calculations. Furthermore, they shed light on how the Chinese navy has translated strategic ideas into operational concepts, tactics, and military capabilities. The work pays special attention to the missile threat while also acknowledging the disruptive potential of new technologies such as drones, AI, and space-based capabilities. The authors conclude that an era of strategic competition has dawned in Asia and that the U.S. must adapt rapidly to hold its ground. This third edition updates the analysis, incorporates extensive new material, and highlights the dramatic extent to which the operating environment for U.S. naval forces has changed in such a short time.

Shortridge, Dan F.: Philadelphia's Fighting Fleet 30,95 €

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 07:55:09 +0200

The ships built in Philadelphia fought their way across the globe: they confronted Japanese warplanes at Pearl Harbor, sank submarines off the Italian coast, bombarded targets in North Korea, and supported US military operations in Vietnam. Their crews welcomed kings and queens, knelt in prayer before battle, and tossed snowballs at one another on deck. *Philadelphia's Fighting Fleet* chronicles the significant maritime heritage of the United States' founding city through twenty-five vessels built there. From the sailing ship USS *Franklin*launched in 1815to the modern command ship USS *Blue Ridge* (the last vessel built at the yard and still in service today), these ships reflect more than a century and a half of technological evolution and naval history. In addition to the stories of the individual ships, the book explores the history of the shipyard itselfthe nation's first naval shipyard, originally established in 1776 and relocated to League Island in the 1870s. At the peak of its operations during World War II, the yard employed over 40,000 workers who built and repaired ships for the war effort around the clock. The final ship was launched in the 1970s; the shipyard closed in the 1990s and is now being redeveloped for new uses. *Philadelphia's Fighting Fleet* is a tribute to these ships and the city where they were built. The book is aimed at Navy veterans, military enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the industrial and maritime history of Philadelphia.

Toschi, Elios: Tesei e i cavalieri subacquei 24,95 €

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:15:08 +0200

The story of Elios Toschi, a human torpedo operator with the Italian Navy's X Flottiglia MAS during World War II.

Patrick, David: Les sous-marins du Débarquement 19,95 €

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 07:30:07 +0200

The fierce naval battles of the First World Warlargely forgotten by the publichave left few traces. Yet, the deployment of submarines foreshadowed the massive Atlantic convoy battles of the Second World War. In May 1944, twenty-six German submarines belonging to the so-called *Landwirt* group attempted to penetrate the English Channel to disrupt the numerous Allied convoys supplying the Normandy front during the summer of 1944. Sailing from French and Norwegian ports, they encountered formidable naval and aerial defenses. British Coastal Command aircraft covered a vast area stretching from western England to the Bay of Biscay. Groups of fast destroyers joined the aircraft to form "Operation Cork"; they tracked down German submarines in shallow waters and hunted them, preventing them from making life-saving dives. This episode of the German submarine war is rarely mentioned in connection with Operation Neptune.

Cristini, Luca S.: U-455 22,95 €

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 08:20:05 +0200

The book recounts the history of the German World War II submarine U-455. The Type VII C submarine disappeared in the Mediterranean in April 1944. In the summer of 2008, a team of divers led by Roberto Rinaldi discovered the nearly intact wreck just over two nautical miles off Portofino (Liguria) at a depth of approximately 120 meters. It lies embedded in the mud with its bow pointing steeply upwards. The submarine was officially declared missing on April 6, 1944, following a patrol off the coast of Algeria; it likely ran into a German minefield.

Guillerm, Luc-Christophe: Équipages 44,95 €

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:30:09 +0200

The French Navy is one of the few remaining institutions that can rightly take pride in the human dimension of its crews. The moment the last mooring line of a ship is cast off, a unique world emerges in a matter of moments. A group of men and women leaves the mainland to share a collective experience in a self-contained environment, far removed from family lifeunited by a specific mission in the service of France. Weeks and months of absence. The constraints of living in close quarters. Often grueling working conditions. And yet, the ever-recurring longing to set sail once more. For a sailor, daily life at sea is an ordinary experience within an extraordinary worlda fascinating blend of contrasts between action and tradition. Yet a crew is more than just a group of sailors; it takes shape and lives within an environment that shapes it in turn, revolving around three essential elements: the ship, the sea, and the ports. Together with the men and women themselves, these three elements form the central thread of this book. The photographs were taken during deployments aboard key vessels of the French Navyranging from renowned ships like the aircraft carrier *Charles de Gaulle* and the helicopter carrier *Jeanne dArc* to less conspicuous patrol boats, avisos, frigates, and schooners, as well as nuclear submarines and missile-equipped vessels.

Nelson, Thomas M / Podair, Jerald: Wrecked 44,95 €

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 07:55:09 +0200

Wrecked links the story of Americas most infamous shipwreck to the story of an even larger disasterthe wreck of the American industrial economy. When the Edmund Fitzgerald went down in a Lake Superior storm on November 10, 1975, more was lost than the ship and the twenty-nine lives on board. The disaster was a human tragedy as well as an indictment of the American industrial policies that eventually cost the nation thousands of jobs and marooned hundreds of communities. Written with a passionate yet factually grounded intensity, Wrecked shows that the reasons for the decline of industrial manufacturing in the upper Midwest are linked to why the Edmund Fitzgerald sank, and to the legal turmoil that followed for the victims families. The book conveys the sense of loss that still is felt by those affected, along with the outrage over the disappearance of manufacturing jobs and the inadequate maintenance and legal maneuvering over liability for the sinking of the ship. What follows is a fascinating critique of what went wrong and why.