New Releases by Ian Buxton

Heavy gun mountings dominated the design of larger warships, on account of their size, weight, protection and cost. In the 1890s, British gun mountings developed rapidly with new gun technologies (wire winding, cordite) and the rise of the two major ordnance companies, Armstrongs and Vickers, producing large numbers of weapons for the Royal Navy and for worldwide export. But by 1960, aircraft and guided missiles had made the big gun redundant, so the period from 1890s to 1950s covering the two world wars is the most historically significant. The focus of this book is on the larger mountings and those fitted in the larger ships – the massively engineered ‘non transferable’ mountings, whose complexities and associated magazines took up a huge volume of the ship, unlike the smaller calibre ‘transferable’ mountings mostly bolted to the deck. Such mountings could weigh over 1000 tons, take two years to build and make up a quarter of the cost of a battleship. Although they existed in many variants, there were only about forty basic mountings from 4.5in to 18in calibre fitted to the majority of the RN’s larger ships so these take up the bulk of the book. For each, well illustrated handbooks with colored plates were produced, but are largely inaccessible to the public, so about 50 of these highly detailed drawings are reproduced at large scale. The smaller mountings and the guns themselves each have a separate chapter. Although the impact of the book is largely visual, there is an expert account of the design, construction and installation of such mountings, and their manufacturers, supported by a range of internal and close-up photographs. The reference value of the work is enhanced by a comprehensive table of mountings and their characteristics, plus a list of all the mountings made by Vickers of Barrow between 1900 and 1950. Providing easy access to so much rarely seen material, this handsome volume will appeal to modelmakers, ship enthusiasts and technical historians.

One of the most significant warship designers of the twentieth century, Sir Stanley Goodall rose through the ranks of the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors to become its head in 1936. The Corps was responsible for every aspect of the design and construction of British warships, and its head, the Director of Naval Construction, was the principal technical advisor to the Board of Admiralty. Although Goodall was succeeded in this post in January 1944, he remained the Assistant Controller Warship Production until October 1945 so was probably the single most influential figure in British naval technical matters during the war years. His private diary was never intended for publication – indeed it seems to have been a vehicle for venting some of his professional frustrations – so his opinions are candid and unrestrained. His criticisms of many in the Admiralty and the shipyards are enlightening, and taken as a whole the diary provides new and unique insights into a wartime construction program that built nearly a thousand major warships and a myriad of landing craft and coastal forces. Dr Ian Buxton, a well-known authority on British shipbuilding, has edited the entries covering Goodall’s war years, identifying the various personalities and ships referred to (sometimes cryptically), while setting out the context in a number of introductory essays. As an insider’s view of a complex process, this book offers every warship enthusiast much new material and a novel perspective on an apparently familiar subject.

Fifth edition, fully revised and updated. ''something of an institution ... We highly recommend you get a copy for its amusing tone, on-the-nose criticism and Buxton''s unerring nose for value'' Master of Malt ''excellent'' The Sunday Times ''a must-buy for whisky enthusiasts who prefer high-level expertise executed with humour and irreverence rather than lofty academic pretensions ... accessible, funny and fact-packed'' Robb Report 101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die is a whisky guide with a difference. It is not an awards list. It is not a list of the 101 ''best'' whiskies in the world in the opinion of a self-appointed whisky guru. It is simply a guide to the 101 whiskies that enthusiasts must seek out and try in order to complete their whisky education. Avoiding the deliberately obscure, the ridiculously limited and the absurdly expensive, whisky expert Ian Buxton recommends an eclectic selection of old favourites, stellar newcomers and mystifyingly unknown drams that simply have to be drunk. The book decodes the marketing hype and gets straight to the point; whether from Canada, India, America, Sweden, Ireland, Japan or the hills, glens and islands of Scotland, here are the 101 whiskies that you really want. Try them before you die - Slainte!

The 21st century''s own Gin Craze continues unabated, with exciting new crafted gins launched on a regular basis. Most recently, we have seen growing interest in Pink Gins and the development of a range of flavoured gins, not to mention the remarkable rise of tonics – with a tonic to suit every palate, and perhaps every gin. So naturally, leading spirits writer Ian Buxton has looked to revise and renew his focus on this most fashionable of spirits. In this book he brings his customary wit, industry knowledge and highly developed palate to this fast-evolving and dynamic market with enthusiastic, book-buying drinkers keen for more ginsights!

''An enjoyable romp through the craft whisky industry. Prepare to have your eyes opened and taste buds transported along the ever expanding whisky route.'' Will Lyons ''Buxton has done it again: a cracking read. A novel and invaluable addition to any whisky library.'' Charles MacLean ''Ian Buxton is the perfect guide to the rapidly changing world of whisky. Can you afford to be without a copy of 101 Craft and World Whiskies?'' Henry Jeffreys, author of Empire of Booze Discover the exciting new world of craft distillers and whiskies from around the world in Ian Buxton''s brilliant new addition to his 101 Whiskies series. From Austria to Argentina and Norway to New Zealand, the world of whisky is expanding as we have never seen before. Distilleries as far away as Taiwan and as close to home as England are reinventing what whisky means - and an iconoclastic generation of boutique, craft distillers are challenging previous orthodoxies and teasing drinkers with their exciting new styles and radical releases. 101 Craft & World Whiskies to Try Before You Die is an up-to-the-minute guide from best-selling whisky commentator Ian Buxton, author of the popular 101 Whiskies series, and the first independent assessment of this global drinks revolution. Guaranteed to appeal equally to whisky aficionados and new enthusiasts in search of a trusty and well-informed guide, Ian Buxton''s wonderful new handbook is delivered in his trademark irreverent and trenchant style. There''s a whole world of whisky to be discovered, free of bagpipes and heather and far from leather-clad fireside armchairs, that''s overturning tradition. Taken neat or over ice, 101 Craft & World Whiskies will blow the cobwebs off your dram.

This fully illustrated volume details every aspect of the WWII battleship, from plans, building, and modifications to active service and final breaking. Built in 1937, the HMS Duke of York enjoyed a distinguished wartime career that included sinking the German battleship Scharnhorst in 1943 and serving as the flagship of the British Pacific Fleet in 1945. This study of the iconic King George V-class battleship offers comprehensive and detailed documentation in plans, photographs, and text. The core of the book is the reproduction in full color of a complete set of as-fitted plans of the ship, including many details and close-ups. These are complemented by a thorough set drawn after the ship''s major refit in March 1945, showing all the modifications undertaken to prepare the ship for service alongside the US Navy in the Pacific. Photographic coverage begins with the stunning views taken by the builder''s cameraman during every stage of construction, continues with many shots of her active service, and concludes with an illustrated chronology of the breaking up. The accompanying text is as enlightening as the illustrations, resulting in a complete portrait of a great ship in all its complexity.

Since the publication of the first edition in 2014, the whisky industry has continued to change. This book provides the reader with an overview of the latest academic research and industry best practice in an accessible and authoritative format. Despite the recession, new distillation capacity has been added at a record pace and new consumers in new markets have entered the arena. Distillers are experimenting with new finishes, packaging and marketing techniques and amongst consumers there is a hunger for knowledge and informed commentary. An entirely new chapter discussing the management and utilization of co-products and recent developments in areas such as anaerobic digestion is included along with revisions and updates to most chapters. Written by acknowledged and experienced authorities of the subject, this book provide an up to date treatment of this fast developing area. Aimed at the popular market, it provides a leading text for students of distilling, industry practitioners, new craft distillers and whisky enthusiasts. Review of the 1st Edition ‘The authors have clearly put much effort into this book... I enjoyed the book almost as much as I enjoy whisky. Fascinating stuff from cover to cover.’ Ian W. Davies, Chromatographia, 2014, 77, 1733-1734 ‘Sometimes, you come across a book that’s so comprehensive that it’s worth shouting about....a fascinating book that can be engaged with on numerous levels, even if you aren’t a student of distilling. Pop it on the shelf and consult it from time to time over the coming years. This might be the only whisky book you’ll ever need.’ http://malt-review.com/2014/08/01/book-review-the-science-and-commerce-of-whisky/

Fourth edition, fully revised and updated. 101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die is a whisky guide with a difference. It is not an awards list. It is not a list of the 101 ''best'' whiskies in the world in the opinion of a self-appointed whisky guru. It is simply a guide to the 101 whiskies that enthusiasts must seek out and try in order to complete their whisky education. Avoiding the deliberately obscure, the ridiculously limited and the absurdly expensive, whisky expert Ian Buxton recommends an eclectic selection of old favourites, stellar newcomers and mystifyingly unknown drams that simply have to be drunk. The book decodes the marketing hype and gets straight to the point; whether from Canada, India, America, Sweden, Ireland, Japan or the hills, glens and islands of Scotland, here are the 101 whiskies that you really want. Try them before you die - Slainte!

Rum, once the poor relation of the spirit world, has undergone a revival and is no longer seen just as the preferred tipple for tipsy pirates. The craft drinks movement has certainly stimulated the rum world, with high numbers of new artisan rum brands launching around the world in the last few years. The rise of the rum cocktails is another successful trend, with the popularity of mojitos and mai tai contributing greatly in the growth and development of the rum market. Ian Buxton, the UK''s No.1 bestselling author on spirits, takes us on a tour of the different colours, flavours, creation methods and characteristics, and makes his pick of the best rums in the world. Whether you like your rum in cocktails, or prefer to sip it neat, this is the only book on rum you will ever need.

A travelogue of one man''s whisky-tasting journey across Scotland''s beautiful islands, by the bestselling author of 101 Gins to Try Before You Die. Island whiskies have long held a fascination and a powerful emotional draw on whisky drinkers the world over. Their special combination of heritage, mystique, and remote location captures the imagination; their highly distinctive flavors are often imitated but seldom bettered. There have been few books on island whisky and none written in recent years. But Whiskies Galore is not your average whisky book. It is not simply a catalogue of distilleries, but a story of discovery and adventure. Join Ian Buxton on a personal journey across Scotland''s islands, where he learns to fish with high explosives, ends up hurling his dinner into the sea, and comes face to face with a basking shark. Combining an expert''s knowledge of whisky with a travel writer''s fondness for anecdote, and with a keen description of place, he provides a special treat for all who love the islands'' magical drams. "One of the great whisky writers." — The Guardian (UK) Praise for Whiskies Galore "A great read: it mixes childhood recollections, laments about Hebridean weather, historical anecdotes and 101 astute, humorous observations." —Brian Townsend, The Dundee Courier (UK) "Sardonic, unsentimental and often very funny . . . the most original drink book I''ve read in a long time . . . this book will make you love Scotch whisky all the more." —Henry Jeffreys, award–winning author of Empire of Booze

Worldwide - whisky has never been in better shape. Despite the recession, new distillation capacity is being added at a record pace and new consumers in new markets are entering the arena. Distillers are experimenting with new finishes, packaging and marketing techniques and amongst consumers there is a hunger for knowledge and informed commentary. The Science and Commerce of Whisky is written by two acknowledged authorities in the area and fills a significant gap in the literature. It will provide a uniquely authoritative overview of a developing and dynamic sector reflecting best current practice and combine this with a historical perspective, production expertise and insightful, expert market and marketing commentary. The style is readable and accessible and will appeal to undergraduates on appropriate degree courses, industry and craft practitioners and the many whisky enthusiasts around the world.

"An engaging and uber-knowledgeable guide to gin from spirits guru Ian Buxton" (Alice Lascelles, author of Ten Cocktails). From Adnams to Zuidam, Beefeater to Bombay, and London to Plymouth (and beyond), this new book from a bestselling drinks writer is the authoritative guide to the world of gin and the first book to explore the explosion of innovative gin brands and the artisanal distillers that are reinventing this most English of drinks. With serious gin bars stocking well over three hundred brands and adding still more, how do you choose? Is Edinburgh Gin a style or just a brand name? Can a rose-flower and cucumber infusion properly be called gin? Can gin be aged in wood or does that just make it a strange-tasting young whiskey? And what tonic to choose and why? In his inimitable style, Ian Buxton will lead readers through the great gin trap with his latest no-nonsense guide to 101 gins.

Ian Buxton''s latest book explores the finest and rarest whiskies in the world: wonderful whisky you''re dying to try but probably never will. These drams may be extraordinarily hard to find, impossible to buy or literally the sole survivor of a long-lost distillery - some are even priceless - but, for the first time ever, they''re assembled here for you to ''savour''. Some are the Ferraris of whisky: luxury thoroughbreds beyond the reach of all but the most fortunate, discerning and wealthy of enthusiasts and collectors. Some are whisky''s equivalent to the Model T Ford - once ubiquitous, but now rendered exceptional by the passage of time. All are legendary. Whether the world''s oldest, rarest or most expensive, leading whisky writer Ian Buxton unlocks these liquid treasures and meets the people who make, sell or simply preserve them. 101 Legendary Whiskies You''re Dying to Try But (Probably) Never Will shares the secrets of whisky''s elite - what makes these whiskies so special, so intriguing and so desirable.

Drinks companion meets cookbook in this charming package. Discover the history of Scotch whisky and the part Famous Grouse has played in its development while also learning how to mix a perfect Famous Honey & Marmalade Sour. Compiled by renowned whisky writer Ian Buxton, this captivating miscellany is packed with intriguing facts and trivia, from the story of an iconic brand - its unconventional start named after a Scottish bird and its rise in popularity - to a fascinating insight into how whisky is distilled and bottled. With over 45 recipes for whisky-based dishes and cocktails, including Famous Grouse Rack of Lamb, Mackerel with Snow Grouse Pickled Rhubarb and Apple Tarte Tatin with Whisky Ice Cream, this book belongs on every whisky enthusiast''s shelf.

The launch in 1606 of HMS Dreadnought, the worlds''s first all-big-gun battleship, rendered all existing battle fleets obsolete, but at the same time it wiped out the Royal Navy''s numerical advantage, so expensively maintained for decades. Already locked in the same arms race with Germany, Britain urgently needed to build an entirely new battle fleet of these larger, more complex and more costly vessels In this she succeeded spectacularly; in little over a decade fifty such ships were completed, almost exactly double that of what Germany achieved It was only made possible by the companyÍs vast industrial nexus of shipbuilders, engine manufacturers, armament fleets and specialist armour producers, whose contribution to the Grand Feet is too often ignored. This heroic achievement, and how it was done, is the subject of this book. It charts the rise of the large industrial conglomerates that were key to this success, looks at the reaction to fast-moving technical changes, and analyses the politics of funding this vast national effort, both before and beyond the Great War. It also attempts to assess the true cost- and value- of the Grand Fleet in terms of the resources consumed. And finally, by way of contrast, it describes the effects of the post-war recession, industrial contraction, and the very different responses to rearmament in the run up to the Second World War.

"Extremely well researched . . . a total account of the design, building, service, refits, and fates of the big gun monitors built for WW1 and WW2." —Malcolm Wright, author of British and Commonwealth Warship Camouflage of WWII In the history of naval warfare probably no type of ship has provided more firepower per ton than the monitor—indeed they were little more than a huge gun mounting fitted on a simple, self-propelled raft. Designed and built rapidly to fulfil an urgent need for heavy shore-bombardment during World War I, they were top secret in conception, and largely forgotten when the short-lived requirement was over. Nevertheless, they were important ships, which played a significant role in many Great War campaigns and drove many of the advances in long-range gunnery later applied to the battle fleet. Indeed, their value was rediscovered during the Second World War when a final class was built. Monitors were largely ignored by naval historians until Ian Buxton produced the first edition of this book in 1978. Although published privately, this became an established classic and copies of the first edition are now almost unobtainable, so this new edition will be welcomed by many. It has been completely revised, extended and redesigned to a generous large format which allows material deleted from the original edition for lack of space to be restored. "This book looks in detail at the technical and economic aspects of the 42 monitors built, and is, without a doubt, the definitive work on the subject." —Ships Monthly "Ian Buxton''s work has set the standard in celebrating these big gun ships . . . It makes an invaluable contribution to the study of naval and land operations." —Warships International