. An established reference work with a high reputation . Broad potential market, from academics to enthusiasts . Fully revised and expanded to take in the latest research from ex Soviet Bloc archives This book chronicles in unrivalled detail the greatest naval war in history, day-by-day across every theatre of war, from almost-forgotten skirmishes to the most famous climactic battles. Surface, underwater, naval-air and amphibious campaigns are all covered, and periodic assessments sum up the strategic situations in the world-wide theatres. From its first publication in the 1970s the meticulous research behind this book has made it an essential tool for every historian and serious enthusiast concerned with the Second World War. It underwent complete revision in the early 1990s, when the full significance of Ultra cryptanalysis first became public, and it has now undergone a further massive programme of updating and expansion since the end of the Cold War has thrown open the archives of the old Eastern Bloc countries. As in the previous edition, a series of massive indexes featuring more than 20,000 entries facilitates easy access to specific events and enhances the book's reference value. Few books in the field better deserve the description 'indispensible'. The authors are two of Germany's most distinguished naval historians, both of whom saw active service during the war. JUERGEN ROHWER was the professor of contemporary history at Stuttgart University and GERHARD HUEMMELCHEN the manager of the council of Defence Research. Individually they have published many highly regarded naval reference works.