Jean Boudriot is the world's leading authority on French warships of the sailing era and this work has been written to the highest standards of historical accuracy and research, benefiting from Boudriot's remarkable skill as a draughtsman. The author presents a highly detailed examination of the French 74-gun ship of the 18th century, and a large number of differences emerge from its rival and counterpart built in English yards.

The previous volumes of this set (RandR, v.2 no.2; v.3 no.1) are the best books on ship design and construction ever written. This volume is no exception. (The 4th and final one will cover manning and shiphandling.) For students of naval architecture, military science, modellers, and ship artists. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

DIVSuperb, authoritative history of sailing vessels, with 80 magnificent line illustrations. Galley, bark, caravel, longship, whaler, many more. Detailed, informative text on each vessel by noted naval historian. Introduction. /div