Fireship: The Terror Weapon of the Age of Sail

by Peter Kirsch

The fireship was the guided missile of the age of sail. Packed with incendiary (and sometimes explosive) material, it was aimed at its highly inflammable wooden target by volunteers who bailed out at the last moment. Although it often missed its target, the panic it caused among the crews--who generally could not swim and had no method of safely abandoning ship--did the job. The most famous example of its use was the English attack off Gravelines in 1588 that led to the rout of the Spanish Armada and the adoption of the fireship as an integral part of the British fleet. The author explains how increasingly sophisticated "fireworks" were designed into specially-built ships, and how doctrines were worked out for their deployment. In covering some of the most dramatic battles of the sailing era, this heavily illustrated book reveals the full impact of a much used but little understood weapon on naval history.

Genres: Nautical

224 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2009

Reviews

[Irwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very detailed look at fireships throughout history
With the exception of a few written sources with eyewitness and survivor experiences, the text is written without anything to make it interesting.
But it tells the complete story.

[Lynne Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with helpful maps, photos and pictures, this book will delight anyone interested in the majesty of the high seas and those who sought to conquer the oceans. War at sea is described, revealing the horrifying costs of tense battles. A great reference book.