Anatomy of Nelson’s Ships by C. Nepean Longridge

This complete reference includes many photographs previously unavailable to the general public, nearly 200 line drawings, foldout inboard and outboard profiles, deck plans, and standing and running rigging plans.

From inside the cover:

Nelson”s history has been written from every possible angle, but this is not so with his ships. Such information as there is about the ships is buried in contemporary books on naval architecture; only the expert can sift through it and present it in a usable form. In doing this, Dr. Longridge’s work becomes a veritable treasure trove for the naval historian and ship modeler.

HMS Victory is the supreme example of the ships of this period, and fortunately she is still in existence. The original draughts of 1765 have been preserved, as have also the drawings used in the restoration of the ship in 1922. the author was thus able to compile from authentic sources and his model of the Victory now occupies a prominent position in the Science Museum at South Kensington.

The Illustrations are a unique feature. They include a set of photographs showing the interior construction of the Victory and the HMS Implacable, the latter being taken only a few days before she was scuttled.

There are nearly 200 line drawings, designed by E. Bowness, ARINA, and executed by G.F. Campbell, Assoc., MRINA, Ranging from elaborate perspective drawings of the complex gear at the fore top and crosstrees ti the simplest detail. The folding plates by G.F. Campbell include lines inboard and outboard profile, deck plans and a complete belaying plan.

This book is a great gift for the nautical historian in your life as well as anyone interested in naval history. This is also a good reference for anyone building the HMS Victory ship kit.

Anatomy of Nelson’s Ships | C. Nepean Longridge| Hardcover| 283 pages| Naval Institute Press| Published: January 1, 1980