US Heavy Cruisers 1941–45: Pre-war Classes Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | July 2014 | Title | US Heavy Cruisers 1941–45: Pre-war Classes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Mark Stille | Publisher | Osprey Publishing |
| Published | 2014 | ISBN | 9781782006299 |
| Format | 48 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $17.95 |
Review
Heavy cruisers comprised key parts of US Navy strike forces in World War II. Fast, fearsome and formidable, they served with distinction throughout the conflict.
In another excellent overview from Osprey Publishing, volume 1 of US Heavy Cruisers 1941–45 outlines the development and operations of five prewar classes – Pensacola, Northampton, Portland, New Orleans and Wichita.
Designed under multiple treaties constraints, these warships bore the brunt of early fighting – especially during initial phases of Pacific fighting. After illuminating introductory notes, sections recap – class by class – design, construction, armament, modifications, wartime service and fates.
Photos, charts, extended captions and selected bibliography supplement author Stille's admirably indexed effort. Color profiles and action paintings offer plenty of modeling inspiration. And a helpful "analysis and conclusion" neatly ties things up. It's a superb summary of a spellbinding subject.
Recommended.
My sincere thanks to Osprey Publishing for this review sample!