• Fascinating history of the US Navy stronghold Hampton Roads
•Explores the relationship between naval and civic worlds
•Fully illustrated with a wealth of photographs

There are few places in the world more involved with the steady march of naval history than Norfolk and Tidewater, Virginia, USA. Bruce Linder’s detailed history and exciting images of the US Navy in Hampton Roads provide a comprehensive portrayal of how a region that still likes to think of itself as a small southern city has helped mould nearly every facet of today’s modern US Navy. From privateers, enemy ships-of-the-line, and ironclads, to aircraft carriers, nuclear-powered submarines, and the role of special forces, his compelling history traces the colourful and sometimes subtle nexus between expanding American naval prowess and regional dreams.

This balanced chronicle of the distinctive naval character of Hampton Roads encompasses war at sea, courage, genius, leadership and command, and explores the sometimes stormy relationship between the navy and its civic hosts. Some of the most identifiable names in American naval history– Decatur, Truxtun, Dale, Farragut, Buchanan, Halsey – have all made their indelible mark on Norfolk’s legacy, and some of the signature events of American history – the British surrender at Yorktown, the battle of the Monitor and Virginia, and the defeat of the German U-boat – have all had a Hampton Roads connection. A discerning companion volume to the author’s other illustrated history with a regional perspective, the award-winning San Diego’s Navy, this work proves anew that the cities where American naval might is concentrated can influence the navy itself in fascinating and unique ways.

Bruce Linder is a naval historian and former naval officer who commanded a guided-missile frigate and two major navy shore bases. He is the author of the award-winning San Diego’s Navy.

Other: David Poyer