Contents

Preface to the 20 Edition

Foreword to the 1987 Edition

Introduction

Scope of the Book

Tonnages

Dimensions

Armament

Building Materials

Building Yards

Early Ship Types

Establishment of Guns

Details of Ship ‘Classes’ Mentioned in the Text

Some Notes on Named Weapons Listed

A Note on Rebuilds

Acknowledgements

References

Abbreviations Used

Ships of the Royal Navy: A Historical Index