French Warships in the Age of Sail 1626–1786

The origins of a permanent French sailing navy can be traced to the work of Cardinal Richelieu in the 1620s, but a virtually new Marine Royale had to be re-created by Colbert from 1661. Thereafter, Louis XIV's navy grew rapidly to become the largest and most powerful in the world, at the same time establishing a reputation for the quality of its ship design that lasted until the end of the Age of Sail.This book is the first comprehensive listing of these ships in English, and follows the pattern set by its companion volume on the 1786-1861 period in providing an impressive depth of information.