French Cruisers, 1922-1956

Bys: Jordan, John and Moulin, Jean

French Cruisers, 1922-1956 examines the development and service of French cruisers, combining detailed technical analysis with a clear historical framework. Jordan and Moulin draw on a substantial body of material released in France over the past two decades to examine the French Navy's distinctive and forward-looking cruiser designs of the early to mid-twentieth century.

Part I concentrates on design, explaining the strategic and technical thinking that shaped each cruiser class built after 1922, setting out their intended roles, construction features, armament, protection, and machinery. Each class is supported by detailed data tables, specially drawn plans based on official documents, and a carefully chosen selection of photographs. The coverage includes De Grasse, laid down in August 1939, completed postwar as an AA cruiser, as well as the projected Saint Louis class heavy cruisers that were intended to follow her, about which little has been published.

Part II addresses operational history and context. Following the service careers of these ships while also explaining the peacetime organization of the Marine Nationale and the political and strategic pressures that shaped French naval policy during a period of rapid change. Throughout, technical development is closely linked to historical circumstances.

Heavily illustrated with photographs and newly commissioned artwork, the book provides a detailed and authoritative account of French cruiser design and service, offering a comprehensive reference for this important but often overlooked aspect of twentieth-century naval history.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1036157180
• ISBN13: 9781036157180
• Release Date: September 2026
• Publisher: Naval Institute Press
• Length: 232 Pages