Professor Krylov's Navy: Memoir of a Naval Architect by Alexey Krylov & Laura Meyerovich (Translator)
Memoirs of Alexey Krylov, Russian naval engineer, scientist, and businessman, about his childhood, his education in Russia and France in the 19th century, his years in the Naval Academy, and his naval career and business endeavors before and after the Russian Revolution.
(review) In my opinion Krylov's memoir belongs to the best in this type of literature. This smart witty man was talented in many different areas. His book full of bright precise observations and wise thoughts about the time and people around him is very enjoyable and informative reading.
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Even Sir Basil Zaharoff turns up.
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