As Featured In
Vol. 32, No. 1 (Spring 2022)

The Northern Mariner/Le marin du nord

"The authors of this outstanding book, both highly skilled medical practitioners, gratefully acknowledge the assistance, guidance and/or advice from several modern model makers and historians. These include Frank Fox, Donald McNarry and John Franklin, the latter two having demonstrated through their own lifetimes that the art and skill of ship model making survived into the twentieth century on a level that was comparable to many of the beautiful examples illustrated in this first-class, highly recommended book"

Michael Leek, The Mariner's Mirror February 2022

The authors' interest in and love for their subject is evident throughout and even for those without a particular interest in the topic the overall quality of the production makes it a pleasure to read.

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ARRSE (Army Rumour Service)

I can never pass by a museum that houses a ship model collection without spending considerable time admiring these intricate works of art. The authors of this incomparably superb book, identical twins, have amassed a ship model collection that is recognised as the finest in private hands anywhere in the world, principally made up of official 17th- and 18th-century models in the Admiralty or Navy Board style. As well as lengthy descriptions of these magnificent artefacts, there is background information on how they were identified, and details of the research done by the Kriegsteins. Beyond the technicalities of the ships, readers will be fascinated by the brothers’ adventures in pursuit of every model and their dogged determination to secure them against official obstruction and dubious antiques-trade practices. The book also includes a chapter on the intricate bone PoW ship models of the Napoleonic era in the collection. One of my favourite, albeit humble, models is that of a ship’s boat c. 1750. In a similar craft in 1789, Bligh completed a heroic 4000-mile journey across the open ocean. Sadly, the Kriegstein models are not on public display but this book, a fully revised edition of a 2007 tome of the same name is an invaluable guide to the skills and dedication of the Golden Age of Sail model makers – and would make a treasured gift to any with an interest in this art form.

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Julian Stockwin

Seeing the detail and indeed both the skilled workmanship and beauty of these models is a great opportunity, and I am so pleased that the brothers have opened up their collection to us. The skill of the modellers demonstrated in this amazing collection really can't fail to impress. These show the real history of the naval ships, both large and small, from the Royal Navy, both before and during the time of Nelson and the famous Victory.

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Military Model Scene

Overall, I completely and highly recommend this book to everyone who is interested in English ships of the period and their ship models. Even if you already have the first book, this one is worth acquiring for the new models, the additional discussions, and the quality of the production. Congratulations to the Kriegsteins and Seaforth Books.

Nautical Research Journal