If you only read one book on the development of the Fleet Air Arm and Naval air warfare in the Mediterranean during World War 2 then this should be it. Very highly recommended.
Military Historical Society

This is a very interesting and informative little tome.. I knew that there were accidents during the building of the ship, but did not know that eight men died during the building process of the Titanic in the Harland & Wolfe shipyard. I also found fascinating how the firemen/stokers and trimmers kept the ship moving and loaded with coal even after she was mortally damaged. I have seen the movie about the heroic firemen, etc., that kept the lights on as the Titanic went down. Absolutely wonderfully done! And the musicians. There is an extensive listing of some of those who survived that awful night, and those who didn't. It talks about their histories, where they came from and a little about their families. This is followed by a description of how the press handled the emergency/disaster, and an extensive bibliography for those who would like to further explore the subject. And pictures! With captions! All in all, this is a good book, told in clear and concise style. It covers aspects.. Read more
NetGalley, Joyce Fox

[b]Review by Les Brown[/b] This issue of the World Naval Review maintains the high standards set in previous years and provides an economic and invaluable source of information about today’s navies throughout the world.
Small Warships

The author originally joined the Navy during the days of sail. Leaving the Navy in 1919 he joined the Marine Department of the Chinese Maritime customs Service and during his 30 years as river inspector he assisted in opening the Yangtze River to steam navigation up to 1450 miles from the sea. It was here he developed a deep interest and affection for the junkmen and their craft. This is a large volume containing all sorts of information, detailing the lives of the junkmen along with ancient histories and of course their craft. Clearly a seriously researched book over his 30 years this publication is unique and unusual to say the least. Recommended to anyone.
Review by Andy Thomson

The surprising thing about Ian Friel's book is how far back into the annals of our history it travels. The Viking invaders pre-1297 also had sailing boats, of course, and the British eventually copied their design and build, but this is a comprehensive and brilliantly conceived memoir of a seafaring nation from its earliest times to when it was time to use steam power for our naval craft. Absolutely fascinating!
Books Monthly