While I'm really not qualified to judge the historical content--that's why I read this book, after all--Rodger is more transparent than many authors as he weighs the available sources, deciding what evidence is actually useful. I find this fascinating and, ultimately, convincing.

The book's organized in several parallel tracks--operations, shipbuilding practice, administration, and context--in ways that some will find annoying but others will find useful. The author's also handicapped by the early source material, which inhibits both detailed discussion and analysis. He really comes into his own only around the middle of the book.

Overall: Well-written, admirably researched, and interesting. An excellent source. ( )