French Cruisers 1922 - 1956

[sandy]

French Cruisers 1922 - 1956 by John Jordan and Jean Moulin

I just got this book through my local bookshop using tokens from my mother-in-law.

Amazon were selling it (in the UK) for �25 right up until the day of publication (21st February) then it jumped to �35, RRP is �40.

Very much in the same style as the French battleship book, in layout at least, but Jordan acknowledges at the start that as there are more cruisers than battleships the content format is different, especially regarding the history of the ships, although much for many of them was sadly constrained by circumstances (Armistice, Force X at Alexandria, the scuttling at Toulon).

On the whole, the Treaty cruisers seem to have been well regarded and excellent seaboats, and the final Treaty cruiser (Algerie) was, perhaps, the best Treaty cruiser of them all.

Still reading it, and enjoying it. Very nice to read a book about French warships without a French-English dictionary to hand.

I very much hope that Jordan moves on to the contre-torpilleurs although Lassaque did a great job with his books.

Hope this helps someone.

Sandy

[sirmaumau]

Thanks! a must-have

[bgire]

I second this: a must have
Many data and profile have been updated from previous (French) publications after recent findings.
Never-were like De Grasse original design (1936-38) and Saint Louis (1940) are extensively covered.

Highly recommended

[JasonW]

My pre-ordered copy showed up this morning.

After a brief review I have to say this is a great book, plenty of detail of all the major light/heavy cruisers of the Marine Nationale during the period 1922-1956.

Part one of the book is the technical section, covers the following classes in detail:
Chapter 1 - Duguay-Trouin class
Chapter 2 - Duquesne and Tourville
Chapter 3 - Suffren class
Chapter 4 - Pluton, J eanne d'Arc and �mile Bertin
Chapter 5 - Alg�rie
Chapter 6 - La Galissonni�re class
Chapter 7 - The De Grasse class
Chapter 8 - The C5 and St. Louis designs

Part two of the book covers the historical aspect of the ships and their service which is broken down into several periods:
Chapter 9 - 1926-1939 Time Period
Chapter 10 - 1939-1943 Time Period
Chapter 11 - 1943-1945 Time Period
Chapter 12 - 1945-1956 Time Period

There is also a section in the middle of the book with several pages of color plates of artwork done by Jean Blade. Very nice art work.

The book has dozens of excellent pictures, great technical detail and line drawings of the ships in different periods of their service.

This book was far too long in waiting. It is highly recommended and a must have for anybody with an interest in French naval vessels.

Hope to see a French Destroyers book next!

[Caravellarella]

Received my copy Boys & Girls; a wondrous, gorgeous publication......

Terry (Caravellarella)

[Felix C]

Damn good book. Interesting to read one of the Cls sortied to recapture a Vichy steamer taken as prize by the RN. Wonder what that was all about?

[RNfanDan]