Reproduction of the original: Ancient and Modern Ships, Part I by George C.V Holmes

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

The world's first war machines were ships built two millennia before the dawn of the Classical world. Their influence on the course of history cannot be overstated. A wide variety of galleys and other types of warships were built by successive civilisations, each with their own distinctive appearance, capability and utility. The earliest of these were the Punt ships and the war galleys of Egypt which defeated the Sea People in the first known naval battle. Following the fall of these civilisations, the Phoenicians built biremes and other vessels, while in Greece the ships described in detail in the 'Trojan' epics established a tradition of warship building culminating in the pentekonters and triaconters. The warships of the period are abundantly illustrated on pottery and carved seals, and depicted in inscriptions and on bas-reliefs. The subject has been intensively studied for two and a half millennia, culminating in the contemporary works of authoritative scholars such as Morrison, Wallinga, Rodgers and Casson. To date there are no works covering the subject which are accessible and available to non-academics.

This vintage book is a detailed treatise on the history and development of wooden ships from the earliest times to the twentieth century. Detailed and profusely illustrated, this book is highly recommended for those with an interest in the fascinating history of seafaring and would make for a fantastic addition to any home collection. Contents include: “Ancient Ships in the Mediterranean and Red Seas”, “Ancient Ships in the Seas of Northern Europe”, “Mediaeval Ships”, “Modern Wooden Sailing-Ships”, and “Description of an Archaic Greek Bireme”. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on sailing. This book was first published in 1906.

In 'Ancient and Modern Ships: Wooden Sailing Ships' by Sir George Charles Vincent Holmes, readers are taken on a comprehensive journey through the evolution of wooden sailing ships. Holmes meticulously examines the construction, design, and history of these seafaring vessels, providing detailed illustrations and diagrams to enhance the reader's understanding. The book serves as a valuable resource for maritime history enthusiasts, offering insights into the technological advancements and cultural significance of wooden sailing ships. Written in a clear and engaging style, Holmes seamlessly blends historical facts with his expert analysis, making this book both informative and enjoyable to read. Holmes's attention to detail and passion for maritime history shine through in every chapter, offering readers a glimpse into a bygone era of sailing. Readers interested in naval history, shipbuilding, or maritime exploration will find 'Ancient and Modern Ships: Wooden Sailing Ships' to be a captivating and insightful read.

Organized by the four major ages of warships - galley, sail, steam, and modern - George graphically presents the design evolution, construction, and operational uses of specific ship types, including their defenses, weapons, propulsion, and famous sea battles. While his focus is on ships of major naval powers, he also offers interesting examples from lesser navies and includes Leonardo da Vinci's submarine designs, Germany's pocket battleship, Austria's World War I air-cushion catamaran, and Italy's naval tanks with lateral caterpillar chains.