John Lambert and Les Brown have teamed up to produce this book from Seaforth Publishing. Although supposedly to assist modellers this book goes far beyond that and provides one of the best reference books in print, about the Flower Class Corvettes of WW2. It covers these vital ships of WW2 from the first realisation of the need for such ships, the concept and design process. There are numerous drawings covering not only the intended design, but the great variety of difference...s that occurred through them being built in a wide range of non-naval ship yards. Differences in bridge layout (In particular) did distinguish many of the class and these are covered with a creditable diligence from early ships right up to the end of service. There is discussion on accommodation as well as the other issues the reader might look for, such as machinery, armament, radar and so forth. Indeed I would have to say that the coverage of the Radar Type 271 is extremely well done as well as lavishly illustrated through the different types of ' lantern ' fitted to protect it. I confess that despite my own extensive research I was unaware that the door to the set faced forward on early models and let in so much water they had to use duck boards in the cramped compartment. When I can say, after all these years, that I have learnt something new about these ships, I am delighted and impressed by the research the authors have done. There is a central section on models available, scratch building and conversions that I'm sure modellers will welcome. But even for those who are not modellers, the section does give additional views on these ships. That is followed by a few pages of full colour camouflage examples that I naturally enjoyed, although I thought I would rather have heard some discussion on them even if it meant cutting down on the display of model kit brands. They are presented without discussion. The book then moves on to list every corvette ever built. Following that is a section with drawings of various equipment from boats to Carley floats etc. Right throughout, the book is lavishly illustrated and many photographs were not known to me, despite many years of my own research.
This book is excellent value for money and highly commended not just to the ship modellers, but also very much so to naval enthusiasts who wish to have a historically accurate and detailed reference book to add to their library.
I am delighted to give it ***** five stars.

Malcolm Wright, Australian Maritime Artist & Author

If you are interested in [the Matchbook model of the Flower Class] then this is the book I suggest you really should have on your bookshelf.

Military Modelling

This book, a special edition of the ShipCraft series, includes numerous additional features of interest to the maritime enthusiast. It begins the design concepts for the corvette, examining the alternatives and the original specifications o the boat, before going on to look at the various modifications applied, including the Canadian versions. additionally in this edition, the construction and deployment dates of each ship are recorded, as well as their eventual fates.
The modelling section of the book is extensive, including not just tips on building, but reviews of the model kits available, and the numerous photographs and advice to help the reader distinguish the individual 'Flowers' from each other. A showcase of exceptionally well-assembled ships is included, to both assist readers in assembling their own ship model and demonstrate the model-making talent in the field today. An excellent guide to an important ship in the Second World War, for modeller and maritime enthusiasts alike.

The Nautical Magazine - April 2009