By 1805 the 44-gun frigate was probably viewed as a failed experiment whilst the 38-gun frigate was viewed as the vessel of the future. Ten years later every navy was building 44-gun frigates and today it is viewed as the symbol of the Napoleonic-era cruiser. This remarkable transformation resulted from the performance of three ships - the Constitution, United States, and President - 44-gun frigates built for the United States Navy between 1794 and 1799. Their victories in the naval War of 1812, as well as their performance against the Barbary Pirates, caught the imagination of the world - and spurred all navies into re-examining the class.
About the Author
Mark Lardas is the author of numerous books on maritime and Texas history. A longtime resident of the Houston area, he has maintained an interest in the Port of Houston. In cooperation with the Houston Maritime Museum and the Port of Houston Authority, and with generous assistance from the University of Houston and other local resources, he has pulled together a fascinating collection of images to illustrate the history of the port from its founding in 1836 to its role in the 21st century.
Innes McCartney is an historian and nautical archaeologist, specializing in 20th-century naval vessels. He lectures widely on a number of associated subjects. A passion for shipwrecks has led to some famous discoveries, including the submarine M1 and the battlecruiser "HMS Indefatigable," His previous book, "Lost Patrols" detailed his uncovering the 121 submarines sunk in the English Channel. His own underwater photography illustrates this book. The author lives in Cornwall, UK.
Tony Bryan is a freelance illustrator of many years' experience who lives and works in Dorset. He initially qualified in Engineering and worked for a number of years in Military Research and Development, and has a keen interest in military hardware - armor, small arms, aircraft and ships. Tony has produced many illustrations for partworks, magazines and books, including a number of titles in the New Vanguard series. Tony Bryan lives in Dorset, UK.