Overview

Many people are familiar with the term 'dazzle design', even perhaps as it was applied to ships during wartime. But what of its origins and objectives as a defensive practice at sea? Moreover, was it the only approach to the painted protection of merchant and naval vessels during the two world wars? Presented here are the origins of maritime camouflage, drawing on early influences of natural concealment as seen in living creatures and plants, followed by the emergence of two fundamentally-opposed schools of thought – reduced visibility, or disruption to visual perception. The book explores the schemes themselves, and the objectives and effectiveness of the various strategies advocated as forms of painted protection by looking at the scientific and artistic principles involved (the behaviour of light and the process of vision), as well as the individuals engaged in maritime camouflage development and the institutions set up to conduct in-depth research into these practices. AUTHOR: David L. William's background is in professional industrial photography and technical publications. He was previously responsible for the entire aircraft and hovercraft in-service support operation of Westland Aerospace. He has written over 30 books on shipping and related subjects, including Great Passenger Ships that Never Were, Made on the Isle of Wight and Cabin Class Rivals for The History Press. 38 colour, 213 b/w illustrations

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9780750996815

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'What an achievement! In Dazzle, Disruption & Concealment, David Williams clearly defines, analyses and explains the complexities of ship camouflage, supported by a series of stunning illustrations.' - Camilla Wilkinson, grand-daughter of Norman Wilkinson and Senior Art Lecturer at the University of Westminster 'What an achievement! It's the best book on the subject. What an extraordinary resource for those who engage in future research.' - Roy R. Behrens, artist, author and Emeritus Professor of Art and distinguished scholar at the University of Northern Iowa

‘What an achievement! In Dazzle, Disruption & Concealment, David Williams clearly defines, analyses and explains the complexities of ship camouflage, supported by a series of stunning illustrations.’ - Camilla Wilkinson, grand-daughter of Norman Wilkinson and Senior Art Lecturer at the University of Westminster ‘What an achievement! It’s the best book on the subject. What an extraordinary resource for those who engage in future research.’ - Roy R. Behrens, artist, author and Emeritus Professor of Art and distinguished scholar at the University of Northern Iowa 'Visually Stunning.' - Ships Monthly

Author Information

DAVID L. WILLIAMS’s background is in professional industrial photography and technical publications. He was previously responsible for the entire aircraft and hovercraft in-service support operation of Westland Aerospace. He spent time working aboard lighthouse tenders and cable layers and is an Associate of the British Institute of Professional Photographers and member of the World Ship Society. He has written over 30 books on shipping and related subjects, including Great Passenger Ships that Never Were, Made on the Isle of Wight and Cabin Class Rivals for The History Press.

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