John Miano's research into the known remaining builders' plans for the Iowa-class battleships has allowed him to produce the most thoroughly researched volume on this subject ever to be published. His ability to extrapolate plans that did not survive the last 80+ years makes this volume a must have for any battleship aficionado. I keep this book on my desk on board USS New Jersey and reference it frequently, but you don't need your own Iowa-class battleship to appreciate his extensive scholarship.

-Ryan Szimanski, Executive Director of the Historic Naval Ships Association and the Curator for Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial

Using hundreds of researched graphics and photographs, based on blueprints and physical examinations, this book delves deeply into the details of the Iowa-class battleships' armor systems. Following John Miano's unique book on the battleship New Jersey, the author has now expanded the analysis of the protective armor story placed on the four Iowa's. The design, development, and construction techniques of the armor are discussed along with many associated detailed illustrations. This book will be a welcomed addition to the armor "rivet counters" collection.

-David Way, Historian for the Battleship Iowa

This book is a must have for any Iowa-Class Battleship enthusiast, researcher, or museum employee. The author has gone to great lengths doing the leg work on the armor of the ships and turned countless technical documents into something the lay person can understand. Pictures and diagrams help to put the text into perspective that a novice or seasoned ship enthusiast can enjoy and learn from.

-Keith Nitka, Battleship Operations Manager, Nauticus & the Battleship Wisconsin museum, and Battleship Wisconsin veteran 1990 - 1991