Modern ships of war

"Modern Ships of War" written by Edward J. (Edward James) Reed examines the monumental shift occurring in naval power during the late 1800s. Reed and Simpson set the stage for readers by analyzing how naval technology evolved, specifically warships as they went from archaic wooden vessels to metal armored ships. The authors underscore the importance of these changes, pointing to the effect on naval powers like the U.S. and Great Britain. It calls for the reinvigoration of naval power in the U.S. to deal with modern military challenges while analyzing advancements in artillery, the classification of warships and evolving naval strategies. It underscores the need for a proactive approach to building a powerful fleet. The book serves as an overview and context as it relates to exploring various nations' naval strengths and design philosophies.