Imperial Russian Navy 1860s-1916 (V. Krestjaninov): a review

[MichelB]

V. Krestianinov, Imperial Russian Navy 1860s - 1916. (Uniform Press, London - Images de Russie, La Berli�re - Liki Rossi, St.Petersburg - 2013)

This is a photo book, containing hundreds of black and white photographs, and some text, concerning the Russian fleet of the mentioned era. The most important thing is: this is about the whole Russian navy, not just the fleet. That means that besides a lot of ships, there are portraits of admirals, midshipmen and lowly gunners, images of shore establishments, yards, training schools, graduation ceremonies, port visits, in short: of the entire world that comprised the Imperial Russian Navy as an institution. For those looking for a Jane's-like reference archive of ship photographs, the book might disappoint, for those open to the broader historical vistas against which the Imperial ships raised steam, it is highly recommended. The reproduction of the photographs is quite good, as far as their century-old originals allow, with hardly any pixelation or scanning artifacts, and some of the larger 2-page reproductions are quite a sight to behold.

Some minor quibbles: some translation errors, and especially 'wavering' designations of vessels as iron-clad, cruiser or battle-cruiser, can be annoying to purists.

Highly recommended as a view into the world of the Russian navy of that era.

[Tim Jacobs]

Item listed at Amazon UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Imperial-Russia ... 60s+-+1916

and Amazon (US)
http://www.amazon.com/Imperial-Russian- ... 60s+-+1916