This book is a complete guide to the Regia Marina, the navy with which Italy fought the Second World War. Starting with the historical background, it describes how the navy developed, how it was organised, the facilities that supported it, and the operations it conducted both before and after the armistice in 1943. It also details all its ships, with full technical particulars, plans and photos. Furthermore, there are chapters on special topics like camouflage; uniforms, decorations and insignia; and a 'who's who' of important naval personalities; and the reference value of the book is enhanced by a comprehensive bibliography and guide to sources. The illustration is a noteworthy feature of the book as the author's 30,000-image collection of naval photographs is one of the best in Italy. He is also a fine draughtsman, and his ship plans and colour illustrations are both detailed and accurate, adding a particular appeal for modelmakers. Of all the main combatant navies of this era, the Italian is probably the most poorly represented in English publications, so this comprehensive handbook, now made available in an affordable softcover edition, will be especially welcomed by those who missed this book in its first edition. ‘Maurizio Brescia's latest book is a major achievement and a milestone in the renaissance of Italian Naval history.’ The Navy‘This is a thorough, detailed, comprehensive, well researched, ably written, and superbly illustrated, one volume treatment of its subject that every reader will want to own and read.’ Sea Classics Magazine‘A simply magnificent book describing the Italian Navy of the Second World War.’ Pegasus Archive