The author, a naval historian, reveals the critical elements that determined the war at sea.

Provides a history of fighting ships and major players in world naval operations, from the navies of Great Britain in the late 1800s to the post Cold War vessels used in the Gulf War.

“Any historian or general lover of history in Hitler, or the importance of the Germany Navy in WWII, will find this book immensely informative.” —Nautical Research Journal Hitler's Armada examines the aborted German invasion of 1940 in a fresh and original manner by looking past the myths and legends which have subsequently surrounded it, in order to arrive at significant new conclusions. Presenting fascinating detail of Hitler's Operation SEALION, author and historian Geoff Hewitt analyzes the German campaign’s weaknesses, demonstrating that control of the sea, not the air, was the critical factor in the operation’s failure. Hewitt questions the traditional British view that the Battle of Britain was the key factor in the prevention of Nazi invasion. Presenting the often overlooked importance of the Royal Navy during this period, Hewitt brings into sharp focus, possibly for the first time, the strategic dispositions of the Royal Navy anti-invasion forces. By focusing on the conflict between air and sea power in the months leading up to the summer of 1940, Hewitt challenges the supremacy of air power during this stage of the war. Thought-provoking and controversial, Hitler’s Armada presents a compelling investigation of this historic turning point in the Second World War.

A broadly interdisciplinary work, this handbook discusses the best and most enduring literature related to the major topics and themes of World War II. Military historiography is treated in essays on the major theaters of military operations and the related themes of logistics and intelligence, while political and diplomatic history is covered in chapters on international relations, resistance movements, and collaboration. The volume analyzes themes of domestic history in essays on economic mobilization, the home fronts, and women in the military and civilian life. The book also covers the Holocaust. This handbook approaches each topic from a global viewpoint rather than focusing on individual national communities. Except for nonprint material, the literature, research, and sources surveyed are primarily those available in English. The volume is aimed at both experts on the war and the general academic community and will also be useful to students and serious laymen interested in the war.

This Collins Gem is being reissued in flexibinding, providing the durability of a hardback with the flexibility of a paperback. The stylish new cover design will enliven this and 70 other bestselling Gems.The attractive guide uses information provided by the renowned Jane’s group on over 100 naval vessels used during World War II.Each entry includes the following:A contemporary photographBackground information on the history, appearance and military record of the vesselTechnical specifications such as displacement, armaments, maximum speed and crew complementSo, if you want to know about an Effingham class cruiser, Chiyoda class aircraft carrier or a Fletcher class destroyer, Collins Gem Warships of World War II is the place to look.