I've re-read this today, which is the 70th anniversary of the sinking of the Bismarck by the Royal Navy, in which over 2,000 of its crew lost their lives. This book is a fine account not just of the battleship's one and only sortie, but also the background against which it took place, and the personalities involved which produced a result very different to what it might have been. The book interestingly shows that Hitler, although no sailor on his own admission, had a much clearer and correct view of the future of naval strategy and fleet formation than his own admirals. The book is based on extensive research but wears its learning lightly and is suitable for a wide variety of readers. ( )

Some new information makes this book a worthwhile read for the naval historian. ( )