320 US NAVY PROTECTED CRUISERS 1883-1918

1-995320

The first three 'ABC' cruisers (Atlanta, Boston, and Chicago) were the first steel warships built for the US Navy, whose 1880s-1890s technological and cultural transformation was so total it is now remembered as the 'New Navy'. This small fleet was joined by a succession of new and distinctive protected cruisers, culminating in the famous and powerful Olympia. These 11 protected cruisers formed the backbone of the early US steel navy, and were in the front line of the US victory in the 1898 Spanish-American War. All 11 protected cruisers are depicted in meticulously-researched color illustrations with one depicting the Olympia deploying her full sail rig. Includes specs and rare photos plus full descriptions.