When first published in 1990 <i>Before the Ironclad</i> was highly regarded and wholly unique. Brown's work challenged old assumptions and started a reevaluation of British contributions to naval developments of the period. This book traces the transition from sail to steam power to the construction of the HMS <i>Warrior</i>, the first iron hulled warship, and this new edition will feature more extensive illustrations. Written by an eminent naval architect,<i>Before the Ironclad</i> is both a balanced account of general developments in shipbuilding and an in-depth study of the ships themselves.