This definitive reference work is the second installment in Donald Canney's monumental study of United States naval vessels of the nineteenth century. Volume 2 of The Old Steam Navy follows in the tradition of Canney's well-received contribution to the technical history of frigates, sloops, and gunboats presemed in Volume 1. The creation of ironclad warships was, in many instances, a complete departure from traditional shipbuilding practices. Representative of the developing technology ofthe era, these vessels were astounding in their diversity. Canney's systematic, chronological undertaking describes ali aspects of the ironclad's construction, machinery, armament, and rig, as well as the innovative technology that made it possible. Also included in this volume are various proposals of such experimental designs as the revolutionary but never-completed Stevens battery. In an informative yet accessible style, Canney redresses the unfortunate neglect of these venerable vessels-with many of the photos, illustrations, and ship plans published here for the first time. Of the more than ninety warships contained in this book, only the USS Monitor and Cairo have been the subjects of previous scrutiny. From monitors to casemate riverooats, Volume 2 covers the Civil War combat and operational roles-failures as well as successes - of both oceangoing and riverine ironclads. A penetrating account of an overlooked period in naval history, this book also offers insights imo the offidal and unofficial thinking of the era. Canney's exhaustive compilation will appeal to ship buffs and mode! makers alike, as well as Civil War enthusiasts and those with an imerest in naval history.