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Heavy gun mountings dominated the design of larger warships, on account of their size, weight, protection and cost. In the 1890s, British gun mountings developed rapidly with new gun technologies (wire winding, cordite) and the rise of the two major ordnance companies, Armstrongs and Vickers, producing large numbers of weapons for the Royal Navy and for worldwide export. But by 1960, aircraft and guided missiles had made the big gun redundant, so the period from 1890s to 1950s covering the two world wars is the most historically significant.The focus of this book is on the larger mountings and those fitted in the larger ships – the massively engineered ‘non transferable'mountings, whose complexities and associated magazines took up a huge volume of the ship, unlike the smaller calibre ‘transferable'mountings mostly bolted to the deck. Such mountings could weigh over 1000 tons, take two years to build and make up a quarter of the cost of a battleship.Although they existed in many variants, there were only about forty basic mountings from 4.5in to 18in calibre fitted to the majority of the RN's larger ships so these take up the bulk of the book. For each, well illustrated handbooks with colored plates were produced, but are largely inaccessible to the public, so about 50 of these highly detailed drawings are reproduced at large scale. The smaller mountings and the guns themselves each have a separate chapter.Although the impact of the book is largely visual, there is an expert account of the design, construction and installation of such mountings, and their manufacturers, supported by a range of internal and close-up photographs. The reference value of the work is enhanced by a comprehensive table of mountings and their characteristics, plus a list of all the mountings made by Vickers of Barrow between 1900 and 1950.Providing easy access to so much rarely seen material, this handsome volume will appeal to modelmakers, ship enthusiasts and technical historians.

This fully illustrated volume details every aspect of the WWII battleship, from plans, building, and modifications to active service and final breaking. Built in 1937, the HMS Duke of York enjoyed a distinguished wartime career that included sinking the German battleship Scharnhorst in 1943 and serving as the flagship of the British Pacific Fleet in 1945. This study of the iconic King George V-class battleship offers comprehensive and detailed documentation in plans, photographs, and text. The core of the book is the reproduction in full color of a complete set of as-fitted plans of the ship, including many details and close-ups. These are complemented by a thorough set drawn after the ship's major refit in March 1945, showing all the modifications undertaken to prepare the ship for service alongside the US Navy in the Pacific. Photographic coverage begins with the stunning views taken by the builder's cameraman during every stage of construction, continues with many shots of her active service, and concludes with an illustrated chronology of the breaking up. The accompanying text is as enlightening as the illustrations, resulting in a complete portrait of a great ship in all its complexity.

Discover the best rums in the world with this guide by the international bestselling author of Whiskies Galore. Rum, once the poor relation of the spirit world, has undergone a revival and is no longer seen just as the preferred tipple for tipsy pirates. The craft drinks movement has certainly stimulated the rum world, with high numbers of new artisan rum brands launching around the world in the last few years. The rise of the rum cocktails is another successful trend, with the popularity of mojitos and Mai Tais contributing greatly to the growth and development of the rum market. Ian Buxton, the UK's No.1 bestselling author on spirits, takes us on a tour of the different colors, flavors, creation methods and characteristics, and makes his pick of the best rums in the world. Whether you like your rum in cocktails, or prefer to sip it neat, this is the only book on rum you will ever need. “An invaluable [book] for those who wish to make a foray into the rum revival armed with the requisite knowledge. Burning questions are answered with Buxton's trademark, inimitable wit, while what one should infer from rums different colors, nuances and creation methods is explained with concise authority. Expect, too, a refreshing lack of snobbery about mixers and cocktails.” —The Robb Report

A travelogue of one man's whisky-tasting journey across Scotland's beautiful islands, by the bestselling author of 101 Gins to Try Before You Die. Island whiskies have long held a fascination and a powerful emotional draw on whisky drinkers the world over. Their special combination of heritage, mystique, and remote location captures the imagination; their highly distinctive flavors are often imitated but seldom bettered. There have been few books on island whisky and none written in recent years. But Whiskies Galore is not your average whisky book. It is not simply a catalogue of distilleries, but a story of discovery and adventure. Join Ian Buxton on a personal journey across Scotland's islands, where he learns to fish with high explosives, ends up hurling his dinner into the sea, and comes face to face with a basking shark. Combining an expert's knowledge of whisky with a travel writer's fondness for anecdote, and with a keen description of place, he provides a special treat for all who love the islands'magical drams. “One of the great whisky writers.” —The Guardian (UK) Praise for Whiskies Galore “A great read: it mixes childhood recollections, laments about Hebridean weather, historical anecdotes and 101 astute, humorous observations.” —Brian Townsend, TheDundee Courier (UK) “Sardonic, unsentimental and often very funny... the most original drink book I've read in a long time... this book will make you love Scotch whisky all the more.” —Henry Jeffreys, award–winning author of Empire of Booze

A revised edition of the 1930 Scottish classic guide, edited by the international bestselling author of 101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die. This is—in the opinion of many whisky writers and experts—the finest whisky book ever written. It is certainly the first written from the point of view of the consumer and is thus historically significant. But more than that, poetic and polemic in style and with its emphasis on the importance of single malt whisky and its concern to protect and inform the consumer, it remains fresh and relevant to the interests of today's whisky drinker. It is a remarkably prophetic book, and with Ian Buxton's shrewd commentary and analysis, combined for the first time with period illustrations, it is brought bang up to date for today's generations of whisky aficionados. “The finest whisky book ever.” —Dave Broom “This is a small volume but there are plenty who will love it. It is airy, witty, full of sound knowledge and practical wisdom.” —The New York Times “If I could take only one whisky book to a desert island it would be Aeneas MacDonald's Whisky.” —Charles MacLean “Among the generous pour of publishings to please whisky fans, one stand-out is a long-awaited new edition of Whisky by Aeneas MacDonald.... [h]is literary musings on matters of malt and more, first published in 1930, are widely hailed as among the best writing on the subject. The new edition features period illustrations and an appreciation by writer Ian Buxton, who was instrumental in bringing the book to the masses.” —The Herald (UK)

We're in the middle of a new Gin Craze. Scarcely a day goes by without an established brand offering a fresh take on their established styles or, more likely, a new boutique distillery opening its doors - where gin is de rigueur. From Adnams to Zuidam; Beefeater to Bombay and London to Plymouth (and beyond) this new book from a best-selling drinks writer is the authoritative guide to the world of gin, and the first book to explore the explosion of innovative gin brands and the artisanal distillers that are reinventing this most English of drinks.With serious gin bars stocking well over 300 brands and adding still more, how do you choose? Is Edinburgh Gin a style, or just a brand name? Can a rose-flower and cucumber infusion properly be called gin? Can gin be aged in wood or does that just make it a strange tasting young whisky? And what tonic to choose, and why?In his inimitable style, best-selling drinks writer Ian Buxton will lead readers through the great gin trap with his latest no-nonsense guide to 101 Gins.

We're in the middle of a Gin Craze. Scarcely a day goes by without an established brand offering a fresh take on their established styles or, more likely, a new boutique distillery opening its doors – where gin is de rigueur. From Adnams to Zuidam; Beefeater to Bombay and London to Plymouth (and beyond) this new book from a best-selling drinks writer is the authoritative guide to the world of gin, and the first book to explore the explosion of innovative gin brands and the artisanal distillers that are reinventing this most English of drinks. With serious gin bars stocking well over 300 brands and adding still more, how do you choose? Is Edinburgh Gin a style, or just a brand name? Can a rose-flower and cucumber infusion properly be called gin? Can gin be aged in wood or does that just make it a strange tasting young whisky? And what tonic to choose, and why? In his inimitable style, best-selling drinks writer Ian Buxton will lead readers through the great gin trap with his latest no-nonsense guide to 101 Gins.

Since the publication of the first edition in 2014, the whisky industry has continued to change. This book provides the reader with an overview of the latest academic research and industry best practice in an accessible and authoritative format. Despite the recession, new distillation capacity has been added at a record pace and new consumers in new markets have entered the arena. Distillers are experimenting with new finishes, packaging and marketing techniques and amongst consumers there is a hunger for knowledge and informed commentary. An entirely new chapter discussing the management and utilization of co-products and recent developments in areas such as anaerobic digestion is included along with revisions and updates to most chapters. Written by acknowledged and experienced authorities of the subject, this book provide an up to date treatment of this fast developing area. Aimed at the popular market, it provides a leading text for students of distilling, industry practitioners, new craft distillers and whisky enthusiasts. Review of the 1st Edition ‘The authors have clearly put much effort into this book... I enjoyed the book almost as much as I enjoy whisky. Fascinating stuff from cover to cover.'Ian W. Davies, Chromatographia, 2014, 77, 1733-1734 ‘Sometimes, you come across a book that's so comprehensive that it's worth shouting about….a fascinating book that can be engaged with on numerous levels, even if you aren't a student of distilling. Pop it on the shelf and consult it from time to time over the coming years. This might be the only whisky book you'll ever need.'http://malt-review.com/2014/08/01/book-review-the-science-and-commerce-of-whisky/

A unique testament to Michael Jackson from the world's leading food and drinks writers. They are: Stephen Beaumont, Dave Broom, Ian Buxton, John Hansell, Julie Johnson, Charles MacLean, Hans Offringa, F Paul Pacult, Roger Protz, Lucy Saunders, Conrad Seidl, Carolyn Smagalski and Gavin D Smith. The collaborators represent a roll of honour from food and drinks writing. All have donated an original essay - without fee - to Beer Hunter, Whisky Chaser. The print edition book was published on 27 March, 2009, to mark Jackson's birth date. All proceeds from the publication, which was supported by leading single malt whisky The Glenlivet, were donated to the Parkinson's Disease Society of the UK raising £12,000 for the cause. Editor Ian Buxton, who conceived the project, said'Michael Jackson dominated the world of both beer and whisky writing for two decades and was hugely influential in both'real ale'and single malt whisky. A complete generation of writers has cause to be grateful to him, not to mention countless brewers and distillers. This new book honours that legacy.'He concludes:'If variety is what you celebrate in your choice of whisky or beer, then this is truly a joyous and eclectic celebration of a life well-lived. We have sought to honour Michael with words, fresh and new writing on beer and whisky that he would have enjoyed reading; that he would have respected; that he might even have wished to have written himself.'The contents list is: Introduction by Ian Buxton; Quintessentially Michael by Carolyn Smagalski; When's the Right Time for Barley Wine? by Stephen Beaumont; Three Stepps to... by Dave Broom; Pants to Whisky: An Authentic Link by Ian Buxton; My Friend, Whisky by John Hansell; Thirty Years of American Beer by Julie Johnson; The Renaissance of Malt Whisky by Charles MacLean; A'bunadh: A Short Story by Hans Offringa; A Question of Priorities by F Paul Pacult; Lagering by Roger Protz; Ale-wyfes and Beer-chefs The Evolution of Cooking with Beer by Lucy Saunders; In Search of German Beer Culture by Conrad Seidl; Thirty Years of British Beer by Gavin D Smith; Contributors'Biographies.