A detailed look at how shells and shell-guns reshaped naval warfare, with clear explanations and practical tests.
This edition presents a careful, weapon-by-weapon examination of American and European ordnance. It covers how shells differ from solid shot, how fuzes and shell design affect performance, and the practical results of experiments and field use. The text blends technical description with historical context to show why shell-guns gained ground in the navy and how their effects compare to traditional firepower.
- Understand how projectile design, penetration, and explosive power interact on ships.
- Learn about trials and shipboard practice that shaped naval artillery decisions.
- See the evolution of fuze technology, shell composition, and the debate over shell versus shot.
- Get a grounded view of real-world outcomes from major naval engagements and experiments.
Ideal for readers of naval history, military technology, and 19th-century warfare who want an accessible, evidence-based account of early shell ordnance and its impact.