In the build-up to World War I, the German Imperial Navy underwent a period of revolutionary change and rapid manufacture. While already possessed of a powerful navy, spearheaded by the Deutschland class battleships, the introduction of the Royal Navy's HMS Dreadnought-the first of the all-big-gun warships -sparked an arms race that saw Germany channel considerable resources into developing a rival to this new type of foe. The Nassau class and, shortly thereafter, the Helgoland class were the first of Germany's efforts. With more armour and firepower than their predecessors, these new larger designs would see much combat during the war, notably at Dogger Bank and Jutland. The story of these naval powerhouses is vividly brought to life with official drawings and documents, thorough design and development analysis, and operational accounts for all the ships of these pioneering classes. Book jacket.