intrepid

The Aircraft Carrier Intrepid
$45.00
Although it's only the second book in the "Anatomy of the Ship" series, this slim book on the Essex-class carrier "Intrepid" is an excellent sophomore effort. The main focus is on technical drawings, depicting in detail the ship's general arrangement, hull construction, machinery, and weapons. Robert's fastidious attention to detail is evident throughout, whether it's in cross-section through an armor bolt, a close-up of a dog on a quick-acting door, or a perspective view of the navigating bridge that shows every piece of equipment contained within. The arrangement of hull plating, the layout of protective plating, flight deck equipment, even fittings such as watertight doors and rope reels, are depicted.

Unfortunately, there isn't a single drawing or photograph of the ship's appearance after World War II, and no information on the ship's hull form. The introduction is pretty short and skims over Intrepid's history in a couple pages. Then again, I buy these books for the schematics, and as someone fascinated by naval architecture, I'm happy to see so many high-quality drawings in a single title. Not something that will thrill anyone looking for a narrative history of the ship, but serious naval enthusiasts will love it.

My Ship! The U.S.S. Intrepid - A World War 2 Memoir
$19.95
This book is exactly what I wanted to refer back to what I have seen! Thank you.

The True Intrepid
$19.95
Bill Macdonald has contributed valuably by sleuthing some of the past of the mythic character, Sir William Stephenson.

Macdonald is a journalist from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, who on hearing of the death of Stephenson in 1989, decided to investigate the past of a man who hailed from Winnipeg and was entrusted by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill with serving as his intelligence czar in North America during World War II.

Fortunately for history, Macdonald was able to uncover glimmers of the truth of Stephenson's humble origins; his move to Britain during the 1920s and 1930s; and his businesses. One was steel; through the steel industry, Macdonald may have come to appreciate the Nazi commitment to expanding its military. Churchill became prime minister after the British debacle at Dunkirk. He promptly dispatched Stephenson to the U.S. Based at Rockefeller Center, Stephenson established an aggressive intelligence program and helped advise the U.S. in formation of what became the O.S.S., predecessor of the CIA. Macdonald interviewed a former Univ. of Toronto professor who directed the vital communications links conveying Nazi communications intercepts among British, Canadian, and U.S. codebreakers.

Behind the stories and myths surrounding Stephenson, Macdonald has shone light on some important, classified aspects of World War II. When I read the first edition of this book, I found the story somewhat hard to follow and strange, though also strangely plausible. For the paperback edition, a former CIA staff historian has offered an introduction, probably because he would have had the same reaction.

I am reminded of another recent book (The Secret of Hut 26) reporting how the U.S. developed computers in Dayton, Ohio for attacking Nazi codes. The story was revealed by veterans of this endeavor wishing to report their contribution, 50 years later. Similarly, interesting stories and people, can arise from Winnipeg. Owing to the highly original investigative reporting, I give this book 5 stars.

USS Intrepid 1-720 Revell Germany
$17.95
Detailed island & flight deck. 101 Guns. Simulated deck elevators, engraved portholes, hatches & ladders. Twelve detailed Helldiver & Hellcat aircraft. Length 14"