Ship Identification Book Appraisal

American Ships by Alexander Laing, Hardcover Book

This item is a hardcover book titled 'American Ships' by Alexander Laing. The book features a dust jacket with a prominent illustration of a sailing ship on the front cover. The title 'american ships' is printed in large, bold blue letters, with the 's' in 'ships' being slightly reddish, creating a visual accent. The author's name, 'ALEXANDER LAING', is printed below the main title in smaller, red text. The dust jacket appears to be made of coated paper and shows visible signs of wear, including creasing, scuffing, and minor tears, particularly along the top and bottom edges and corners. The corners are dog-eared and show material loss, suggesting age and handling. There are also some smudges and discolored areas on the light-colored background of the dust jacket. The book itself, underneath the dust jacket, would typically be bound in hardboard, often covered in cloth or paper. While the spine and back cover are not fully visible, the overall condition suggests a vintage publication, likely from the mid-20th century, given the design aesthetic and typography. The illustration on the front depicts a traditional three-masted sailing ship with sails unfurled, navigating choppy waters. The artwork style is reminiscent of maritime paintings, with a somewhat muted color palette predominantly featuring blues, greens, and browns. This book is a historical or reference work focusing on American naval or maritime history, specifically American ships.