Confederate Ironclad 1861-65 (New Vanguard, 41)

Rating:
Summary: Very useful
Review: This short book packs a maximum of information into a minimum of pages. Without wasted words, every aspect of Confederate ironclads is covered: design, construction, armor, armament, life on board, strategy, tactics, and actual combat actions. Nor is analysis lacking. The author contends that the casemate ironclad was the best design possible given the Confederate resources available, and after switching doctrine from one of expecting the ironclads to break the blockade to one of having them defend vital ports, they performed their function well. As is usual with Osprey, the book contains many diagrams, photographs, and color artwork, including a cutaway drawing of CSS Virginia. Information about the 22 ironclads actually comissioned is assembled in an appendix, but any put under construction are mentioned somewhere, including CSS Stonewall, a non-casemate ironclad built in France. The only misprint I noticed was in the appendix where CSS Huntsville is spelt "Husville". The book is suitable for those just starting to learn about Confederate ironclads, and old hands who want a quick reference available.