A Visual History of the Golden State Battleship BB-44 The very first in a new series of value-priced hard cover horizontal format books on U.S. capital ships in the Second World War. Part of the ¿Extended¿ Visual History format, this 168 page book is packed with large, clear images of the USS California. Coverage begins with the laying of her keel in 1916 and continues with the ship¿s launching, commissioning and outfitting. The title then explores the ship¿s long history from her days in the ¿Blue Water Navy¿ to her sinking at Pearl Harbor using hundreds of detailed photos. Salvaged and refitted, the USS California was back in action at Saipan just 30 months later. The photographic coverage follows the history of the ¿Prune barge¿ all though her WWII experience right through to her decommissioning in 1959. The many photos are accompanied by beautifully rendered line drawings and color plates. An essential companion to the Trumpeter plastic kit.