Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World, 1998

This 1998-1999 edition has been arranged according to a logical, universal ship classification system, improving comparisons between nations' fleets. The Russian section has been expanded, and it covers the US, Chinese and British navies, as well as lesser navies and aviation arms of 180 countries.

This edition boasts a new format, more than 3,500 new illustrations, and an expanded section on Russia, based on information released in the past few years. As the editor notes, content reflects a number of trends, including the gradual shrinking of most of the world's fleets and "the continued distribution of recently retired naval units to other countries." Also comes in a CD-ROM version for $129.95, with networking options available (1-55750-112-2).

If you need to find information on ships, aircraft, and weapons for navies worldwide, then this is a good source for you. You can search by type, name, and hull number, or compose your own query. You can search the complete disc or select an individual country. There are over 4000 photographs, some line drawings, pronunciations in 13 languages, as well as some excellent essays that discuss naval developments around the world. Characteristics and capabilities of ships, craft, aircraft, units, weapons, and sensors are displayed for easy consumption. In this edition the arrangement has changed, and ships are arranged from new to old within type. It is also notable that the Russian section has been revised and greatly expanded, based on a wealth of new official information about ships and equipment released over the past few years by Russian private and official sources. Bottom Line: A bit of a beast to load (we could not opt for a full load as it gobbles up hard drive space), but once that is accomplished it works efficiently. A necessary acquisition for history, foreign relations, and political collections.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.