When first published in 1990 Before the Ironclad was highly regarded and wholly unique. Brown's work challenged old assumptions and started a reevaluation of British contributions to naval developments of the period. This book traces the transition from sail to steam power to the construction of the HMS Warrior, the first iron hulled warship, and this new edition will feature more extensive illustrations. Written by an eminent naval architect, Before the Ironclad is both a balanced account of general developments in shipbuilding and an in-depth study of the ships themselves.