The development of the United States Navy to its current pre-eminence has been an evolutionary process during which it has fought aggressors throughout the world as well as detractors at home.  This development has had to keep pace with the nation's own evolution from an inward-looking and isolated country to international "peacekeeper" and protector of both its citizens and allies.  The book, An Illustrated History Of The United States Navy, is structured in chapters with distinct sections as follows: 1) the Continental Period from 1775 up to the 1890s; 2) The Oceanic Period from the 1890s until 1945 and 3) The Transoceanic Period from the end of World War II, through the Cold War and up to the present day.  This book is illustrated with dramatic works of famous artists, contemporary images and specially commissioned photographs of historic artifacts.  It not only describes the famous battles the United States Navy has fought and the weapons it has used, it is a great representation of the social history of the Navy.  It describes the influences of significant personalities in the evolution of the Navy, explores the origins of naval customs and traditions and explains what life was like for ordinary sailors throughout its history.  This book is 224 pages and is in excellent condition.  The author is Chester G. Hearn with a forward by Dr. Norman Friedman.  Edition published in 2002.