This annual publication includes a wide range of feature articles devoted to the design, development and service history of the world's fighting ships. Amongst the highlights for the 1996 edition is: an article on the sinking of the Queen Mary at Jutland; Dan Harris looks at Swedish coast defence vessels in the late-19th century, while the development of fire control directors; and British cruisers of World War II, projected and ordered, but never built. The section at the end of the main feature articles, entitled "Naval Notes", is devoted to the backwaters of naval history. The "Navy Year in Review" is a summary of the important events and developments that have taken place in the preceeding year. "Book Reviews" includes coverage of all the significant books on naval history to have appeared in the previous year, and represents a comprehensive service.