Sam Willis Bücher

"Fighting Ships 1850-1950" offers a captivating collection of 150 large-scale paintings, drawings, photographs, and ship plans that chronicle naval warfare from the advent of iron and steam warships to the formidable U-boats and aircraft carriers of World War II. This century-long narrative features significant naval engagements, vividly illustrated with striking detail, including the bombardment of Sveaborg during the Crimean War, the battles of Tsushima and Jutland, the attack on Pearl Harbour, the Battle of Midway, the evacuation of Dunkirk, and the D-Day landings, culminating in the Japanese surrender. The collection is arranged chronologically, showcasing iconic vessels such as HMS Warrior, the first iron-hulled warship; HMS Dreadnought; the battleship Aurora, which sparked the Russian Revolution; the Graf Spee; the German battle cruiser Bismarck; and notable British and Japanese aircraft carriers. Featuring works from renowned naval artists like John Wilson Carmichael, Gustave Bourgain, and Richard Eurich, the collection also includes powerful photographs, often taken by sailors themselves. Each image is paired with expert commentary by Sam Willis, providing insights into key naval conflicts, the intricate design of modern warships, and the experiences of ordinary sailors aboard these vessels.

This stunning collection of over 170 large-format colour illustrations includes paintings of ships at sea, in action, in convoy, and in siege; architectural drawings; battle diagrams; sea charts and signals; portraits of leading figures in naval history; and details of guns, sails, and life below deck. Taken from contemporary sources, they range from the Seven Years' War to the American Civil War. The book focuses on the navies of all the major Atlantic sea powers of the time, including Britain, America, France, Holland, Sweden and Russia.Arranged in chronological order, each illustration is accompanied by an extended caption that adds to this visual feast a compelling history of naval warfare in the last great age of sail.This volume is divided into eight chapters:The Seven Years' War 1755-62The Napoleonic Wars 1803-15 The War of American Independence 1775-1783The War of 1812The Years of Exploration c.1770-1794The Last Days of SailThe French Revolutionary Wars 1792-1802Steam and Iron

J.M.W. Turner's The Fighting Temeraire Tugged to her Last Berth to be Broken Up (1838) was his masterpiece. Sam Willis tells the real-life story behind this remarkable painting.

In this new series of short books under the Histories of the Unexpected brand, Sam Willis and James Daybell take on some of greatest historical subjects but in an entirely unexpected way.

The stirring story of the life and 'last fight' of a forgotten British naval legend.

In this new series of short books under the Histories of the Unexpected brand, Sam Willis and James Daybell take on some of greatest historical subjects but in an entirely unexpected way.

In this new series of short books under the Histories of the Unexpected brand, Sam Willis and James Daybell take on some of greatest historical subjects but in an entirely unexpected way.

In this new series of short books under the Histories of the Unexpected brand, Sam Willis and James Daybell take on some of greatest historical subjects but in an entirely unexpected way.

A revolutionary and fun new book that reveals how everything, from beds and bubbles to sleep and signatures, has a history.

The book explores the impact of technology on communication and its implications for criminal investigations. It highlights how digital communications evidence, including mobile phones, call data, and social media records, has become integral to solving crimes. Through various case studies, it examines both the benefits and challenges that arise from relying on digital evidence in law enforcement.