Dazzling details of disguises
Dazzle, Disruption & Concealment, by David L Williams
Landing page image: Dazzle Ships in the London Docks (painting by John Everett, 1915). Image: Wikimedia Commons
Textbook meets coffee table book in this beautifully-presented new work. The author takes a close look at the use of maritime camouflage for merchant and military vessels in the two world wars, exploring the techniques used to achieve two aims: reduced visibility and disruption to the enemy's visual perception.
Illustrated with photographs and technical drawings throughout, this scholarly yet accessible volume covers British, French and American dazzle techniques in detail, and even includes scientific evaluations of the efficacy of each method.
Dazzle, Disruption & Concealment: the Science, Psychology and Art of Ship Camouflage
By David L Williams
History Press, £30
978 07509 96815
Buy this book in the Nautilus Bookshop
While you're there, why not browse the rest of the titles in our unique maritime bookshop, which sells all the books reviewed on these pages.
Buy nowMore Books
Instructions for an adventure
The Pacific Crossing Guide, 4th Edition by Francis HawkingsThe Pacific Crossing Guide was created to be the complete reference book for anyone thinking about sailing the Pacific, whether going east-west or west-east.
Fun family fable
Sea, Sand and Katrina by Sam GrantFormer seafarer Sam Grant – whose seafaring adventure books set in the 1960s have been reviewed in the Telegraph before – returns with a different kind of nautical novel.
Top tips for crafty constructors
Sailing Ships from Plastic Kits, by Kerry JangModel ship supremo Kerry Jang is back in time for Christmas 2024 with another comprehensive work on building miniature maritime masterpieces.
Warm words for a cool invention
Blowing Hot and Cold, by Ian JohnstonRemembering his own father's connection with the company, author Ian Johnston set out to write a history of Thermotank, a near-forgotten pioneer in marine air conditioning. It was no small challenge, but Johnston succeeds in bringing a lost British icon back to life.