About the book: 1981 / Abstract from the publisher: “Novik” destroyers, unlike destroyers of previous types, were the first truly multi-purpose ships. Thanks to their high seaworthiness and maneuverability, great autonomy, strong artillery armament and adaptability to mine laying, they effectively solved such tasks as reconnaissance, patrol service, disruption of enemy sea communications, raiding operations on their ports, and guarding their ships and transports. “Noviki” destroyers took an active part in military operations against the German fleet in the Baltic and Black Seas during the First World War, the October Armed Uprising, and in the Civil and Great Patriotic Wars. For the first time in the literature, the history of the design and construction of one of the outstanding ships of the Russian Navy - the destroyer Novik, which for many years was the strongest and fastest ship of this class in the world, as well as ships of the same type, has been examined. Special chapters are devoted to the combat activities of the destroyer Novik and its brothers. In preparing the book, materials from the Central State Archive of the USSR Navy, the Central Naval Museum and the Central Naval Archive were used. Note: The description of the events of the Ice Campaign and the sinking of the Black Sea Fleet, of course, must be read taking into account the requirements of the historiography of that time (see. year of publication).