British Warship Recognition : the Perkins Identification Albums : Volume I

The Perkins Identification Albums represent the culmination of a lifelong obsession held by Richard Perkins, a dedicated maritime researcher who spent decades meticulously documenting British warships. Originally compiled as private, hand-drawn journals between the 1920s and the 1980s, these albums were designed to provide a comprehensive visual guide for identifying naval vessels by their silhouette, mast arrangements, and structural nuances. The work was intended as a practical reference for naval enthusiasts and historians seeking to navigate the complex evolution of the Royal Navy during the twentieth century.

This 2016 volume by Pen & Sword Books serves as the first major publication of these archives, preserving Perkins' original hand-inked illustrations and detailed notations for a modern audience. The design intentionally maintains the aesthetic of the original manuscripts, emphasizing clarity and accuracy over decorative flourish. Upon its release, the collection was lauded by maritime historians for its extraordinary level of granular detail, which provides a unique window into the technical and visual progression of naval engineering during a transformative era of maritime warfare.