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Description of  French Warships in the Age of Sail 1626-1786: Design, Construction, Careers and Fates

The origins of a permanent French sailing navy can be traced to the work of Cardinal Richelieu in the 1620s, but a virtually new Marine Royale had to be re-created by Colbert from 1661. Thereafter, Louis XIV's navy grew rapidly to become the largest and most powerful in the world, at the same time establishing a reputation for the quality of its ship design that lasted until the end of the Age of Sail. Read more