This is the best book on the most tragic Navy of WWII. The set begins with a 22,000 word essay on the history of this navy in World War Two. They fought everyone, on either side, except a direct surface action with the Japanese fleet. Sadly the navy credited with sinking the bulk of their ships was their on-again, off-again ally, the British Royal Navy. These two volumes cover all their ships, including the ships lent or given by the UK and USA. There are descriptions of the abortive construction program and some information on the ships seized by the Germans. The Deck plans and side drawings are good ones when included. Thus these are my favourite naval handbooks except for the later efforts by Michael Whitby. Get this set if you can. ( )