For two generations, battleships, sometimes known as all-big-gun ships, represented the military might and pride of their countries. They threatened, they impressed, they surprised in a way that no other symbol could, and their presence could influence events for hundreds of miles around. Their like will never be built again, as the capital ships of today and tomorrow are platforms for missiles or aircraft. This volume provides the technical data, gives the design background, and outlines the careers of the world's battleships and battlecruisers. The information has been revised and expanded from Conway Maritime's Fighting Ships series. Organized by nation, type and class, each battleship is described in detail and illustrated with plans and historic photographs. Ship histories include references to important technical and political developments in the various navies of the world. Contributors to this volume include: Prezemyslaw Budzbon, N.J.M. Campbell, Aldo Fraccaroli, Norman Friedman, Pierre Hervieux, Antony Preston, John Roberts, Robert L. Scheina, Edwin Sieche and Adam Smigielski.