Jane's Fighting Ships of World War II

by Antony Preston (Foreword), Francis E. McMurtrie

More than 6000 warships are included in this comprehensive encyclopedia of the world's navies during World War II.

Compiled from the pages of contemporary editions of Jane's, the world's most authoritative naval reference work, this extraordinary volume presents photographs, line drawings, and data tables, providing the reader with instant reference to the facts and figures of the great fleets that clashed at Leyte Gulf, Midway, Matapan, and the many other naval battles that took place on the oceans and seas around the world.

Genres: History, Reference, Military History, Military Fiction, World War II, Naval History, Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1989

About the author

Antony PReston was an English Naval Historian and editor.

Reviews

[Bobble Hat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well it’s Jane’s so you can’t knock it, but it is really more of a historical document than an accurate source. Certainly Janes had better access to information than in the First War, but it can’t really be relied upon as plenty of people were still telling some quite big fibs at this time. For accuracy you will need Conways.

[Yago de Artaza Paramo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book to have as a reference. For me it was useful to get some data about the heavy cruiser Canarias.

[Russell Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful reference, but note that because the contents are contemporary, they aren't always accurate.

[Ilena Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a Navy veteran so I loved this book. Go Navy!

[Russell Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a useful reference work, and also of historical interest. It should be noted, however, that it is not always accurate.

It's a reprint of the 1946 edition of Jane's Fighting Ships, with entries taken from the 1939 edition for those ships that were sunk during the war. Consequently, it has the best information available in 1939/1946, but that isn't necessarily entirely accurate or as good as what is available now. It is affordable and very comprehensive, well worth adding to your collection as long as you are aware of its limitations.

[Fracro · Rating 4 out of 5]

comprehensive, detailed guide of all war ships in WWII. great resource.