The latest edition in Osprey's 'Duel' series covers the actions between the Russians and the Japanese in their war of 1904/1905 over Port Arthur and the surrounding territory. It is the first really equal modern battleship warfare and the first instance where a battleship was sunk by the guns of another.

As many of you may know, the Japanese relied on the British to build many of their ships during this time and while these were modified to meet Japanese requirement, they were basically British designs. The Russians also relied on the design work and sometimes the construction of their ships by other countries as well. They also had their own requirements in a ship and how it was to be fitted. These requirements came to test in 1905 during several engagements between the Russians and the Japanese. The main ones were the bombardment of the Russian Far East fleet in Port Arthur, the indecisive Battle of the Yellow Sea and the the overwhelming victory of the Japanese at Tsushima.

This book analyzes the variety of weaponry used by both sides during this conflict as well as the differences in ship design that helped to play a role in the outcome. It also looks at the leadership and training of the crews on both sides of the war. It is probably this aspect as much as any that determined the outcome. Author Robert Forczyk does a superlative job of telling this story and all the aspects of the battles. This is all further enhanced by quality period photographs as well as superb illustrations and little vignettes from the diaries of those who participated in the various events of the times.

In all, an excellent addition to what has become a popular series. I know you will enjoy it as much as did I.

February 2009

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