Lenox was one of 30 ships built in a program begun by King Charles II in 1677, in an effort to make a cost-effective vessel that sailed well and yet was strong enough to carry a heavy battery of guns; and the design was a success, remaining virtually unchanged for over 80 years. Endsor has deep experience with production and computer engineering, particularly for the aerospace industry, but he devoted time over a 12-year period to researching 17th-century ships and shipbuilding practices. He shares his knowledge (and his passion) in this oversize (10x12"), impressively illustrated volume dedicated to one particular ship's creation, service history, and reconstruction. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)