Union River Ironclad 1861–65 (New Vanguard, 56)

This product is more like a concise, yet relatively substantial guide, and can be read in a couple of sittings. It provides a brief history on their evolution and on some key engagements of the "ironclads," as well as what were referred to as the "tinclads," and the river monitors. Good photos and illustrations are included, and stats of some of the key or representative boats such as dimensions, displacement, armament, crew size, commanders, notable actions or campaigns involved in, and when and where they were damaged or sunk, if applicable. Be aware this product does not pertain to the "timberclads" or rams, which also played an important role on the riverways. Personally, I was hoping for a bit more information on the crews, life on board, and activities when engaged in battle.If you are looking for an abbreviated, but very good introduction and overview of the ironclads with photos and illustrations, then this product is for you. If you want more in-depth information on their design and evolution, key engagements/campaigns, and backgrounds and actions of those responsible for procuring, designing, building, and leading them, etc.--there are other sources. Consider the outstanding books "War on the Waters: The Union and Confederate Navies, 1861-1865" and/or "The USS Carondelet." The latter book delves further into the crews, life on board, and activities and what it was like on board when engaged in battle. It also has substantial information on the activities and those responsible for procuring, designing, building the ironclads.

An excellent illustrated 47 page booklet of Civil War Union ironclad warships used on the inland waterways of the United States. This booklet provides brief historical glimpses of a number of Union ironclads and their operations and roles in the War. This provides an excellent adjunct to the history of the USS Cairo which further details both the construction, and battle history of this specific Ironclad, and its sinking and raising some 100 years later, as well as some of the history of its six city-named sister-ships in the book "Hardluck Ironclad, the Sinking and Salvage of the Cairo" by Edwin C. Bearss (revised Edition) Hardluck Ironclad: The Sinking and Salvage of the Cairo

This book is an Osprey publication and part of a series the author, a distinguished naval historian, has written. Others are being worked on as stated in the short biography section at the beginning. This book is valuable as a summary of the subject and a must for Civil War buffs interested in ships. I learned that the first ironclads used in this war were designed for inland rivers especially the Mississippi and its tributaries. Particularly useful, are the specifications of the Union ironclads like the Benton at the end. It seems as if all Konstam's books on Civil War navies are only 47 pages but some rare photographs are squeezed in. The paintings by Tony Bryan are very good and in conformity.

a book in fine condition, and packaged well.

This book met my needs. It told about how the first ironclads were developed, where they were constructed, the materials used, their engines and speeds, and their guns. It also told of the different classes of the ironclads. I learned a lot from this book.

A big Buff of the Civil War Navies

This was an adequate exposition of the river ironclads with a good cutaway drawing. I had expected more technical details, especially on the armor disposition and the engines. Some detail on the living conditions and fighting experiences of the crew would also have been nice.

Another well done reference and historical book by New Vanguard.

Good

A must read for Civil War history buffs. The pictures and detail regarding construction and historical background of the river boat battles and tactics is really outstanding. High quality photos of the men, equipment and conditions of the time.