Originally published in 1967, this respected reference work describes how the Victorian Royal Navy's fleet of small warships enforced the Pax Brittanica for fifty years. Coverage spans the period from the start of the Crimean War (1854) to the Entente Cordiale of 1904. After discussing the role of the gunboat in British foreign policy, naval historians Preston (founding editor of the Warship annual) and Major (U. of Hull) present a comprehensive listing of all the vessels of the gunboat navy during the period. Specifications and details of launch and fate are included, along with numerous b&w photographs. This reprint features a new foreword by Andrew Lambert (naval history, King's College, London). Distributed in the U.S. by Casemate. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)