"This MSW book review is of Osprey Publishing's latest edition in the "Duel" series of publications, "Victory vs. Redoubtable". The Osprey Duel series provides accounts of machines of war, pitted against each other, and the men who operated them."

Format

Victory vs Redoutable
Ships of the line at Trafalgar 1805
(Duel 9)

Author: Gregory Fremont-Barnes
Illustrator: Ian Palmer, Giuseppe Rava

ISBN: 9781846031342
Paperback
May 2008
80 pages
US Price: $17.95
UK Price: £12.99
Canadian Price: $21.00

Contents

Introduction

Chronology

Design and Development

Technical Specifications

Strategic Situation

The Combatants

Combat

Statistical Analysis

Aftermath

Bibliography

Index

The book, and what's inside...

"Late in the morning on 21 October 1805, warships from the British and combined French and Spanish fleets clashed off Cape Trafalgar on the Spanish coast. After a six month game of cat and mouse across the Atlantic, 27 British ships of the line engaged the Allied force of 33 ships of the line. This was a duel of skill, tenacity and bravery as captains and crews battled for mastery of the seas"

This new addition to the Osprey "Duel" series examines the function and role of the ship of the line, most specifically at Trafalgar. In eight seperate sections, the author takes the reader from the design and developemental history of the maritime vessel, in the time frame between the 16th and 18th century, explaining in full detail of the ships of Trafalgar, 1805, through the battle itself in full detail, and culminating in a Statistical Analysis of the battle, winners, and losers.

The volume contains not only a great deal of informative, well written text, but is also packed with full color illustrations throughout. The book reads very well, and keeps the readers attention by telling the battle story in an exciting manner, while also providing a wealth of documented information about the vessels, and the men who sailed them.

As far as being a useful resource for the modeler, I would place it in the 80% range as such, as there are many full color illustrations, diagrams, and line drawings that detail the vessels, weaponry, sails and rigging, that will prove as a useful reference if building these vessels.

For the maritime enthusiast or student, this book will be an exciting and informative read, packing a great deal of history into a small volume, as well as an opportunity to study the battle tactics of the Captains, and their crew.

the author, and illustrators...

Written by Gregory Fremont Barnes, who holds a doctorate in Modern History frfom Oxford University. He has written many other military related titles, as well as serving as editor and co-editor of multiple encyclopedic texts.

Ian Palmer, highly experienced digital artist, currently works as a senior artist for a leading UK games developer.

Howard Gerrard studied at the Wallasey School of Art, and has been a freelance designer and illustrator for over 20 years, working for many publishers.