French Warships in the Age of Sail, 1786-1861

This comprehensive reference presents in-depth information on French Naval ships of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. By 1786, after besting the Royal Navy in its many conflicts across the Atlantic, the French Navy had earned a sterling reputation for its ship design and fighting skills. Yet within a few years, the French Revolution had devastated its efficiency, leading to one defeat after another. This lull persisted until 1815, when the French Navy's technical innovations produced some of the most advanced ships of the age. This book is the first comprehensive listing of these ships in English. It is organized by Rate, classification and class, with significant technical and building data, followed by a concise summary of the careers of each ship in every class. Illustrated and authoritative, it presents a clear picture of the overall development of French warships in the latter half of the sailing era.