Ships and boats: general interest Books

Book SynopsisA fascinating collection of images revealing the lives of those who have chosen to escape land-dwelling to live on Britainâs historic waterways.Trade Review'This book is a must for anyone interested in boating life.' -- CanalsOnline Magazine, December 2023'This has to be the coffee-table canal book of the year.' -- Waterways World, February 2024'Through photographs and their own words, this fascinating window into a different way of life will appeal to all those who would like to know more about Britain's canal-side inhabitants.' -- Sea Breezes Magazine, January 2024

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Book SynopsisThis book describes how the local changes to shipping since 2000 that have affected the River Mersey.

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Book SynopsisNew paperback edition - This book takes a fresh look at the creation of the Institution, and its early founders and examines how it has responded over 200 years.

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Book SynopsisA new edition of the classic work, long out of print and unavailable. Completely revised and expanded, with additional illustrations. The ship's story brought up to date, including the latest plans for her future.

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Book SynopsisThis is the story of how the luxurious steam yachts of the Victorian and Edwardian eras were transformed into weapons of war. These beautiful vessels were the ultimate status symbols of British and European royalty, American magnates, the landed aristocracy and the nouveau riche, but when wars came, in 1898 and 1914, they were quickly transformed into warships, and many of their crews became warriors rather than servants. The US Navy was the first to recognise the potential of these elegant vessels. In the Spanish-American war of 1898, the USN short of ships to operate a blockade of Spanish-owned Cuba purchased twenty-eight of them and turned them into patrol craft and bombardment ships. In Britain in 1914 steam yachts became a stop gap navy, filling in for neglected investment in small craft. The USN followed suit in 1917. Their wonderful interiors were ripped out, antiquated guns and sometimes depth charges fitted, and their crews signed into the naval reserves. Around the coasts

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Book SynopsisThe inside story of the two Swallows and Amazons books set on the Norfolk Broads.

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Book SynopsisFounded in 1838, and operating to South America from Liverpool, the Pacific Steam Navigation Co. was the first to operate steamships in the Pacific.

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Book SynopsisThis fascinating selection of photographs traces some of the many ways in which Manchester Ship Canal has changed and developed over the last century.

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Book SynopsisThe story in words and pictures of Holland America Lineâs Art Deco masterpiece.

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Book SynopsisAn evocative guide to the New York docks in the days of 'On the Waterfront' by 'Mr Ocean Liner' William Miller.

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Book SynopsisProfusely illustrated throughout, this book portraits the iconic ships of the Italian Line and the people who brought them to life.

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Book SynopsisThe first book to provide an overview of all of Brunelâs vessels, richly illustrated, and endorsed by the SS Great Britain Trust.

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Book SynopsisA fascinating look at the history behind battleships and battle cruisers, from the groundbreaking HMS Dreadnought through to the last Royal Navy battleship, Vanguard.

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Book SynopsisAt the height of the Second World War this small pocket-book was issued to all ratings on board ships of the Royal Navy. In straight period prose it outlines all the basic expressions and tasks a seaman needed to know to perform his duties efficiently. Chapters are broken down into: Sea Terms; Navigation; Steering the Ship; Rigging; Anchors and Cables; Boatwork; Miscellaneous (which includes details on uniform and folding a hammock, etc); and Ship Safety. Functional black line illustrations are used throughout, as well as a few pages of colour (used sparingly) for flag recognition. Faithfully reproduced, with a short introduction by Brian Lavery, which explains the importance of a book like this to a navy that had to take on vast numbers of civilians or Hostilities Only men to meet the manning needs of the war, this volume provides a real mixture of wartime nostalgia and historical authenticity. It makes a world now lost to us accessible again, explaining as it does the terms,

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Book SynopsisA complete illustrated study of the German Kriegsmarine throughout World War II.Hamstrung at first by the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, during the 1930s, the German Navy underwent a program of rearmament in defiance of the restrictions, building modern warships under limitations which forced technological innovation. Submarines were strictly prohibited by the treaty, and yet, following years of covert development, they became one of the Kriegsmarine''s most deadly weapons. Blooded in the Spanish Civil War, the surface ships of the Kriegsmarine went on to play a crucial role in the opening salvoes of World War II during the invasions of Poland and Norway, although serious losses here set back plans for the invasion of Britain, and by the end of the war, only a handful of surface vessels remained to be divided up among the Allies. From the beginning of the war, but especially after the fall of France, the dreaded and extraordinarily successful U-boats stalkTrade ReviewLavishly illustrated, packed with facts, figures, and historical narration, this book is a superb reference work for historians of World War II naval history. * The Naval Review *With superb production standards and plenty of contemporary photos, this is an excellent guide to the Kriegsmarine in WWII. * The Armourer *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE KRIEGSMARINE Strategy and Doctrine CHAPTER ONE OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW 1939 The Polish Campaign Commerce Raiding 1940 Denmark and Norway Commerce Raiding 1941 Battle of the Denmark Strait The Sinking of the Bismarck E-boats and U-boats 1942 The Channel Dash Operation Rösselsprung Battle of the Barents Sea 1943 Battle of the North Cape The Last Capital Ship: Tirpitz 1944–45 The Sinking of Tirpitz CHAPTER TWO HITLER’S SHIPS Capital Ships Pre-Dreadnoughts The Scharnhorst Class The Bismarck Class Cruisers The Deutschland Class The Admiral Hipper Class Light Cruisers Auxiliary Cruisers Destroyers Aircraft Carriers U-Boats CHAPTER THREE COASTAL AND MISCELLANEOUS VESSELS E-boats The Security Branch (Sicherungsverbände) Minesweepers (Minensuchboote) Outpost or Patrol Boats (Vorpostenboote) Sub-Chasers (U-Jagd Boote) General-Purpose Boats (Mehrzweckboote) Barrier-Breakers (Sperrbrecher) Escort Boats (Geleitboote) Torpedo Boats Fleet Auxiliary Supply Ships (Tross-Schiffe) Tenders/Escorts Miscellaneous Vessels Accommodation Ships (Wohnschiffe) Miscellaneous Vessels Kleinkampfverbände der Kriegsmarine CHAPTER FOUR SERVICE IN HITLER’S NAVY Seamen, NCOs and Officers Other Service Roles CONCLUSION FURTHER READING GERMAN NAVAL RANKS AND EQUIVALENTS INDEX

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Book SynopsisExplores the history of the US Navy''s 11 new steel warships, built during the late 19th century to advance American naval supremacy.After the American Civil War, the powerful US Navy was allowed to decay into utter decrepitude, and was becoming a security liability. In 1883, Congress approved four new steel-constructed vessels called the ABCD ships. The three protected cruisers Atlanta, Boston, and Chicago were the first steel warships built for the US Navy, whose 1880s1890s technological and cultural transformation was so total it is now remembered as the New Navy. This small fleet was joined by a succession of new and distinctive protected cruisers, culminating in the famous and powerful Olympia. These 11 protected cruisers formed the backbone of the early US steel navy, and were in the frontline of the US victory in the 1898 Spanish-American War. It was these warships that fought and won the decisive Battle of Manila Bay. These cruisersTable of ContentsINTRODUCTION DEVELOPMENT USN protected cruiser hull numbers, classification and renamings DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION Propulsion Protection Weapons THE ABC CRUISERS 1886–89 Atlanta-class (1886) USS Chicago (1889) SECOND-GENERATION CRUISERS 1889–91 USS Newark C-1 (1891) USS Charleston C-2 (1889) USS Baltimore C-3 (1890) USS Philadelphia C-4 (1890) USS San Francisco C-5 (1890) FAST CRUISERS 1894–95 USS Olympia C-6 (1895) Columbia-class (1894) OPERATIONAL HISTORY The Squadron of Evolution The Spanish–American War, 1898 Actions in the Atlantic and Caribbean Final operations 1899–1923 The preserved Olympia CONCLUSION SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX

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Book SynopsisThe only comprehensive listing of French sailing warships in EnglishTrade ReviewFrench Warships in the Age of Sail 1626-1786: Design, Construction, Careers and Fates by naval historian Rif Winfield with the assistance of Stephen S. Roberts is the first comprehensive listing of these ships in English, and follows the pattern set by its companion volume, British Warships in the Age of Sail, 1793-1817: Design, Construction, Careers and Fates in providing an impressive depth of information. Profusely illustrated with b/w illustrations and ship construction images, French Warships in the Age of Sail 1626-1786 is impressively informative and comprehensive, making it an ideal and unreservedly recommended for personal, community, college, and university library Naval History collections and supplemental studies reading lists." --Midwest Book Review "This is very useful to those of us who need a handy and quick reference to a variety of vessels. The citations plentiful…. [I]f you need a … top notch reference book to explore the careers of warships in the age of sail, there's really no better source." --British Tars, 1740-1790

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Book SynopsisFrom Henri Fabre's first successful take off from water and landing near Marseilles, to the introduction of a hull rather than floats by American Glenn Curtiss, to the world-wide development of huge, ocean-crossing flying boats on both sides of the Atlantic - the passenger flying boat era continues to fascinate aviation enthusiasts and historians alike. Wartime necessity for paved runways to support long-range, high flying land-planes and the faster movement of airmail, overcame in peacetime the unique ability enjoyed by such craft to economically utilise the natural waterways of the world, thus depriving passengers of the ability to enjoy the panorama unfolding below in luxurious accommodation and ease. A sadly missed epoch of flight: though related in clear and vivid detail by Leslie Dawson in his account of a pre-war Imperial Airways flight from Southampton to South Africa. This extended pictorial edition of the author's previous book Fabulous Flying Boats, A History Of The World's Passenger Flying Boats provides a fast-moving journey from the first pioneers to the very last use of such craft in regions still reliant on waterborne communication with the outside world. From the Americas and the United Kingdom, to France, Germany and Italy, and on to Australia and New Zealand. Supported by world-wide private, public and corporate images, the work boasts a comprehensive and well-researched Appendix.

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Book SynopsisThis modern classic of small boat literature details the history of the Nordic Folkboat--a class that enjoys remarkable popularity in some of the world's most beautiful and challenging sailing waters. A clinker design that sails equally fast and well whether it is made from wood or fiberglass, the Nordic Folkboat has been around for 60 years. It has stood the test of time as its minimalism, robustness and sea kindliness have proved resistant to radical design modifications. Loibner guides us through all the layers of the Folkboat community, from those who sail competitively in the many Folkboat regattas worldwide, to the devoted following of recreational sailors who appreciate the sturdiness of the design when out cruising with family and friends, to what he refers to as the "Lunatic Fringe." Any reader who has spent a thrilling afternoon on the dancing prow of a small boat will appreciate the insights and journey of The Folkboat Story.Trade ReviewNow in paperback, this is a modern classic detailing the history of the Nordic Folkboat. Designed during the early years of World War II, the 25-foot Folkboat has gone from cult to classic, maintaining a devoted following. Boats of all ages are still being sailed today. The Folkboat has also inspired spin-offs, such as the Contessa 26 which was sailed around the world by Tania Aebi who wrote the Foreword for this latest edition. * Latitudes & Attitudes *Loibner writes that the Spartan 25-foot Folkboat epitomizes the enduring 'less is more' philosophy, which is, perhaps, an important metaphor for these times. * Sailing *Designed by committee in Scandinavia in the 1940s, the Nordic Folkboat was intended to bring yacht racing to the masses; Loibner explores the vitalility and popularity of the design. * Wooden Boat *Loibner takes us across the world in easy strides--from the Scandinavian base to the San Francisco enclave; from racing to cruising and with a charming chapter he calls the Lunatic Fringe. * Classic Boat *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Foreword by Tania Aebi Prologue Chapter 1: A Design by Committee Chapter 2: Tord Sunden: Designer or Draftsman? Chapter 3: Folkboat Relatives Chapter 4: Innovation and Tradition Chapter 5: Folkboats in Europe Chapter 6: Folkboats Elsewhere Chapter 7: Interlude I-The Great Races Chapter 8: Cruising and Other Pleasures Chapter 9: The Lunatic Fringe Chapter 10: Interlude II-The Masters of Miniature Chapter 11: Historic Highlights of Clinker Chapter 12: The Lure of the Folkboat Chapter 13: Tips for Fans Epilogue Bibliography Links and Addresses Builders Index

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Book SynopsisThe definitive history of the Cape Island–type longliner, a vessel unique to Nova Scotia that helped save its coastal fishery from collapse.During the first half of the twentieth century, economic recession, a lack of government support, and the incursion of large draggers on coastal fishing grounds meant many inshore fishing communities were facing poverty and starvation. The formation of fishers' cooperatives started a movement toward recovery, and the introduction of the internal combustion engine along with the development of a new medium-sized fishing vessel equipped with mechanical haulers meant groundfishers who had previously employed handlines from small boats with a single hook could now haul multiple trawl lines from a single vessel.The development of the "government approved" Cape Island–type longliner was perhaps one the most significant achievements in the survival of Nova Scotia's struggling inshore fishery. Sadly, this important history has gone largely unrecorded. With the help of in-depth archival research and more than thirty little-known historical photographs, Building a Better Boat chronicles the history of the recovery of the shore fishery and the development of a new fishing craft known as wooden Cape Island–type longliners. It is a story that needs to be told, if for no other reason than to honour the brave fishing families who persevered through poverty and hunger and who, despite all odds, developed a vessel that would help them secure their own futures and that of future generations.

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Book SynopsisThis is a complete encyclopedia of underwater vessels throughout history, from the Nautilus and Hunley to the nuclear-powered submarines of today. It charts a century of submarine development, from the earliest attempts to travel beneath the waves, two World Wars and the Cold War, through to the incredible machines planned for construction in the 21st century. Specification boxes provide at-a-glance information about each submarine's country of origin, length, displacement, speed, armament, propulsion and complement. It features over 700 historical and modern photographs illustrating each type of submarine, plus specially commissioned artworks of selected examples. It includes a glossary of key military terms and abbreviations. This fully illustrated book traces the history of underwater travel, from the earliest attempts to travel beneath the waves to the future possibility of unmanned craft permanently roaming the seas. A country-by-country directory of over 140 submarines provides an in-depth look at the amazing inventiveness of submarine builders. Illustrated with over 700 photographs showing submarines in action, as well as a selection of artworks showing the vessels' main features, this authoritative volume provides both enthusiasts and historians with key information about the world's submarines, and is an essential reference for everyone interested in naval history.

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Book SynopsisPeople are drawn to the harbours and boats of Scotland whether they have a seafaring background or not. Why do boats take on different shapes as you follow the complex shorelines of islands and mainland? And why do the sails they carry appear to be so many shapes and sizes? Then there are rowing craft or power-driven vessels which can also be considered ‘classics’, whether they were built for work or leisure. As he traces the iconic forms of a selection of the boats of Scotland, Ian Stephen outlines the purposes of craft, past and present, to help gain a true understanding of this vital part of our culture. Sea conditions likely to be met and coastal geography are other factors behind the designs of a wide variety of craft. Stories go with boats. The vessels are not seen as bare artefacts without their own soul but more like living things. 'A writer uniquely attuned to the water, and to the relationships each boat shares with the places it shaped, his stories restore past sea roads and river routes to life' - David Gange, author of The Frayed Atlantic EdgeTrade Review'Wonderful... a rich compendium of the Scottish engagement with the sea' -- Adam Nicolson, author of Life Between the Tides'The small boats that made Scottish history have never seemed so charismatic and characterful as in Ian Stephen’s gorgeous, vivid prose. A writer uniquely attuned to the water, and to the relationships each boat shares with the places it shaped, his stories restore past sea roads and river routes to life' -- David Gange, author of The Frayed Atlantic Edge'[Boatlines] tells of the compelling bonds between humans and nature, along with copious anecdotes about the vessels, who built them, sailed in them, and the communities they served... an evocative love letter to the sea' -- Neil Drysdale * Press and Journal *'A magisterial flight across 30 or 40 different vernacular vessels... it is fascinating' * West Highland Free Press *'Ian Stephen's fascinating new book explores Scotland's deep relationship with boats, the talented people who built them and the many communities that still depend on them' * The Herald *'A wonderful book about...the small boats that do so much to give individual stretches of the coastline of Scotland such distinctive characters' -- Ken Lussey * Undiscovered Scotland *'Although there's an incredible density of nautical information, Stephen also packs in anecdotes and has a light writing style' * Scottish Field *'A sensitively written account of sailors' lore to vicariously share the pleasures of life afloat... absorbing and leaves you wanting more' -- Frank Rennie * Stornoway Gazette *'carefully researched and there are a selection of nice pencil drawings which make for a pleasing read' * Sailing Today *'Stephen, through his wonderful use of prose, allows us to experience the culture of these coastal and canal communities which followed a natural rhythm governed by the seasons, the weather, and the tides' -- Marc Chivers * Mariner's Mirror *

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Book SynopsisOcean liners conjure up an instant image of luxury. The great salons and smoking room, the suites, the staterooms and even the indoor swimming pools. This book will look at a century or so of the decor of ocean liners. It begins with the likes of the 'Mauretania', commissioned in 1907, and shows the Edwardian flourish and finery-the palm court days. We move into the 1920s & '30s, to Art Nouveau, German Bauhaus and of course the high glamour of Art Deco. Ships include the 'Paris', the innovative 'Ile de France', the 'Bremen' and the stunning 'Normandie' and 'Queen Mary'. Then there is post-war moderne, 'mid century' as it is dubbed today, and finally the contemporary of the current cruise generation-the floating resorts.Table of ContentsForeword; Acknowledgments; Introduction; 1 1900-10: Potted Palms in the Smoking Room; 2 1910-20: The Floating Palaces; 3 1920-30: The Longest Gangway to Europe; 4 1930-40: Cole Porter Music & the Smell of Expensive French Perfume; 5 1940-50: Drinks in the Bar After Dinner; 6 1950-60: Air-Conditioning, Lido Decks and $20-a-Day to Europe; 7 1960-70: Last of a Kind; 8 1970-Beyond: Floating Hotels & The Moving Resorts; Bibliography.

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Book SynopsisThe Trent and Mersey Canal first came into use in 1777. A vital transport link for the industries of the midlands - indeed Josiah Wedgewood of the pottery was an early supporter - it carried coal, ironstone, limestone merchandise, pottery and salt. Despite the arrival of the railways and subsequently motorways, the carriage of freight continued up until 1970. After inevitable decline, various restoration programmes have been undertaken and the waterway is now popular with boaters. A working waterway for 250 years, the need to adapt to changing transport needs has been a constant factor in this canal's history. With over 100 archive and present-day photographs, maps and plans, the book describes the need for the canal and the key personnel who were involved in its inception. Engineering and constructions of the canal and its branches are looked at in detail along with further improvements to the canal and how these boosted trade. A century of ownership by railway companies, subsequent nationalisation and later decline is discussed. The book also looks at the people who lived and worked on the canal. Finally, restoration, rejuvenation and the future of the canal is covered.Trade ReviewThe book is a testament to Ray Shill’s hard work and dedication, with attention to detail which is second to none. It can safely be described as the bible of the Trent and Mersey Canal. -- Les Heath * Towpath Talk *The book is at its strongest when discussing engineering and commerce, and Mr Shill analyses improvements made over time to the canal's lockage, water supply and tunnels in impressive detail. -- Victoria Owens * The Railway and Canal Historical Society *

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Book SynopsisThis book commemorates the enduring legacy of the world's most famous ship TITANIC. Her story is one of all those bound together on that fateful voyage. On board were: writers, artists, honeymooners, sportsmen, priests, reverends, fashion designers, aristocrats, millionaires, children, crew and emigrants looking for a better life.

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Book SynopsisHMS Victory is probably the best-known historic ship in the world. A symbol of the Royal Navy's achievements during the great age of sail, she is based in Portsmouth and seen by tens of thousands of visitors each year.As is the case for many historic ships, however, there is a surprising shortage of informative and well illustrated guides, for reference during a visit or for research by enthusiasts - ship modellers, naval buffs, historians or students. This new series redresses the gap. Written by experts and containing more than 200 specially commissioned photographs, each title will take the reader on a superbly illustrated tour of the ship, from bow to stern and deck by deck. Significant parts of the vessel - for example, the capstan, steering gear, armament, brody stove, cockpit, stern cabins - are given detailed coverage both in words and pictures, so that the reader has at hand the most complete visual record and explanation of the ship that exists.In addition, the importance of the ship, both in her own time and now as a museum vessel, is explained, while her design and build, her fighting career and her life prior to restoration and exhibition are all described. No other books offer such superb visual impact and detailed information as the Seaforth Historic Ship Series - a truly groundbreaking concept bringing the ships of our past vividly to life.Nominated for the 2011 Mountbatten awards.

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Book SynopsisThe warships of the World War II era German Navy are among the most popular subject in naval history with an almost uncountable number of books devoted to them. However, for a concise but authoritative summary of the design history and careers of the major surface ships it is difficult to beat a series of six volumes written by Gerhard Koop and illustrated by Klaus-Peter Schmolke. Each contains an account of the development of a particular class, a detailed description of the ships, with full technical details, and an outline of their service, heavily illustrated with plans, battle maps and a substantial collection of photographs. These have been out of print for ten years or more and are now much sought after by enthusiasts and collectors, so this new modestly priced reprint of the series will be widely welcomed. The first volume, appropriately, is devoted to the Kriesmarine's largest and most powerful units, the battleships Bismarck and Tirpitz, whose careers stand in stark contrast to each other - one with a glorious but short life, while the other was to spend a hunted existence in Norwegian fjords, all the time posing a threat to Allied sea communications, while attacked by everything from midget submarines to heavy bombers.

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Book SynopsisThis book recounts the efforts over many years to dive wrecks that contained treasure in one form or another. The often prolonged and sometimes dangerous expeditions tell of dives to many ships that were wrecked while carrying tons of gold or other valuables. Many of the wrecks came to lie at great depths which demanded considerable diving expertise using rebreathers which allowed longer dives to be performed.The authors are both diving experts and in addition to the accounts and historical pictures they have added their own photography to convey to the reader the challenges of the dives undertaken. The technical demands were considerable, from adjusting the camera housing to accommodate the depth to diving at particular times of the year because many of the wrecks were situated in areas of high seas and extreme currents. Many of these wrecks have been the subject of concerted efforts from salvage teams but success could never be assumed.It took several years to visit and photograph the wrecks mentioned in the book which provides a fascinating account of the vessels and their treasure, and the challenges of diving in what can be a dangerous environment. Each entry provides details and a brief history of the vessel and the means of its demise, enhanced by a modern diving account with photographs. As such the book will be of great interest to all divers whether active or armchair, and to anyone with an interest in maritime/military history.Trade Review`This book is a must for your collection’. SubSea -------------------- `...each of the individual stories are brief but well written...there was plenty of detail on the ships and their fate. I particularly liked that the authors have dived many of the wrecks... ...very good illustrations and some remarkably good underwater pictures taken in very poor conditions in the North Sea. I really enjoyed this book which will appeal to all you wreck hunters out there...' Scottish Diver -------------------- BOOK OF THE MONTH! - `The photographs are really engaging and really give a sense to what it must have been like exploring these wrecks that lie on the ocean floor. A thoroughly enjoyable book written and compiled by two authors who, as technical CCR divers and photographers, clearly know their subject. Highly recommended'. Sea Breezes -------------------- `This is a well put together book backed up with good photographs and I would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in this area'. Shipping Today & Yesterday -------------------- `...will appeal to all those who venture into Neptune's underwater realm, whether active or armchair, and to anyone with an interest in maritime/,military history'. Bosun's Chronicle -------------------- `...This is a well put together book backed up with good photographs and I would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in this area'. Shipping Today & Yesterday -------------------- `...provides histories of a good range of sunken ships from the 19th and 20th centuries, and has high-quality illustrations throughout ... it's an attractive publication and an easy read'. Nautilusint.org

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Book SynopsisThomas Telford was arguably the greatest civil engineer Britain has ever produced. This book reveals his humble beginnings and then describes his self-propelled rise from journeyman stonemason to famous canal engineer. In 1793 Telford was appointed principal engineer on the Ellesmere Canal (now the Llangollen Canal) in North Wales. An 11-mile section of the canal, including his magnificent Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, has recently been granted UNESCO World Heritage status, putting it in the company of such international icons as the Taj Mahal, the Statue of Liberty, and the Tower of London. Completed in 1805, the aqueduct represented a stupendous advance in civil engineering; but it was designed for canal boats and tucked away in a relatively unfrequented valley. Following a rapturous opening ceremony and initial commercial success, a decline of the canal system from about 1840 onwards made it look increasingly redundant. The richly-deserved UNESCO award has put the aqueduct and its canal back in the limelight. This is a personal and professional story, putting Telford's work into its historical and social context, showing him as a remarkable mix of good-natured ambition, talent and resilience. Today there is great interest in Britain's transport infrastructure. The 19th-century engineers who did so much to pioneer and improve it are rightly seen as heroes. It will be appreciated how much is owed to Telford and others for creations that have stood the test of time, built with courage and daring, in an age when major construction projects relied heavily on pickaxes, wheelbarrows, and an extraordinary amount of hard physical labour.Trade Review'...this excellent book...an ideal companion...much more than a guide, it is also a history book and part biography...it is the tribute to the work of a great engineer'. Spout Magazine-------------------'..A beautifully produced and very handsomely illustrated book ... a wonderful and highly informative addition to the literature on Thomas Telford ... I hope it will encourage more people to visit Pontcysyllte and the Llangollen Canal'. Tim Rolt-------------------'...As well as the excellent narrative, the book is very well illustrated with many splendid images of this engineering marvel'. Coventry Canal Society-------------------'...this highly readable book, with many and varied illustrations (photographs, maps, reproductions of paintings and engineering drawings) which help to bring the subject to life alongside many quotes from a rich variety of sources'. Cuttings Magazine, Shropshire Union Canal Society

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Book SynopsisThis is an in-depth appraisal of the 30-year post Second World War period that covered significant changes in the history of British Petroleum Shipping. These major changes were vital to the development of the company's fleet from modest 12,000 summer deadweight tonnage vessels to the Very Large Crude Oil (VLCC) class ships which ranged up to British Respect with her capacity of 277,746 sdwt. The author starts with a concise history of BP from its beginnings around 1915, including early developments in the design and construction of tankers. Losses during the Second World War were countered by developments in conversion of vessels for wartime duty and the ongoing construction of new vessels. Post-war, and after considerable losses, the drive to repair vessels and build new tankers was paramount and led to the growth of the 1950s. In many areas, BP was instrumental in designing and implementing safety rules long before they became international law and the effects of these changes are considered in detail. Also featured is the recovery of the fleet following the ravages of the Second World War which was influenced by an unprecedented international demand for oil. There were also numerous political upheavals that had a direct influence on ship routeing and fluctuations in the growth of the parent company, BP International, which affected the shipping arm, BPTC. This was a period of serious oil pollution that caused worldwide consternation. This concern led to the formation of the International Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO) which was ratified in 1948 and renamed the IMO in 1982. This organisation became a major innovator of a raft of consultative documents which eventually led to numerous protocols and conventions, leading the marine transport industry and the tanker industry in particular to becoming the most widely-regulated form of transport in the world. This brief was extended to encompass professional certification across all ranks of seafarers, helping to correct numerous problems which affected crews during this 30-year period. Tank construction and ship stability problems are discussed along with a major overhaul of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Other issues confronted during this period include preliminary work which would later be extended to include ballast water transference worldwide and air pollution, etc.

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Book SynopsisThis new book reveals the part played by the eight Bustler Class Rescue Tugs built at the Henry Robb Shipyard during the Second World War and will shed more light on the almost-forgotten part played by this country's mariners. The men and women who were rescued under the most trying of times and dreadful weather conditions would no doubt have felt immense gratitude to the brave souls who formed part of the huge maritime effort, both in war and peacetime. This is the story of the small force of much-needed rescue tugs that were built during the dark forbidding days of the Second World War, when Great Britain had only the ships and men to bring in the raw materials that were required to fight against the might of Nazi Germany and its Allies. This compelling story shines a spotlight on the small, but very significant work done over many years by His and Her Majesty's Rescue Tugs in defence of the realm, and which benefited seafarers all over the world. The author's very detailed account of the contribution made by HMRT in general, and the Bustler Class in particular, is an excellent read, and has brought to life the immense impact that these rescue tugs have had over many years, usually in dire circumstances, and especially during the Second World War. Many of these ships also served with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) and this story recognises the part played by these heroic rescue tugs in accounts of many convoys that crossed the seas and were attacked by hostile forces. This fine volume will help to raise the profile of these magnificent small and immensely powerful vessels, and of course their highly-skilled crews without whom these heroic achievements would not have been possible.

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Book SynopsisThe story of Leith-built ships continues in this third volume from just after the conclusion of World War Two to 1965. However, the world was different; the men came back from the front and those women who had been working in the shipyards lost their jobs. All shipyards were experiencing full order books, replacing, or repairing ships lost or damaged in the conflict, but the industry was changing albeit slowly at first. The advent of electric welding would eventually change the way ships were built leading to the demise of the Rivet Squad, which was replaced as a cost cutting exercise as it became the accepted method of ship construction. Henry Robb Shipyard participated in the massive new shipbuilding programme with a great many vessels being ordered from two of the largest customers of the yard. Many orders came from the giant Ellerman Lines, while a great many more were ordered by other customers, such as the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand. The Admiralty also remained a customer and a few large supply ships would be built in this time. In this volume the author has not forgotten the people who were the very fabric of the yard and community. Personal accounts are included from those who built or sailed on these vessels. This is the story of a mighty industry, but one which nonetheless had begun its decline. In the century from 1893, this nation went from producing 80% of all the worlds' commercial ships to producing no commercial ships at all. It is a sad fact, but this volume keeps alive the story of the Leith-built ships and the vibrant industry that once existed.

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Book SynopsisThe Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, known in colonial Burma as the ‘Fabulous Flotilla’, was the largest privately-owned fleet of ships in the world. It was an entirely Scottish enterprise with nearly all its investors, management and ship’s officers drawn from Scotland. Over 1,200 ships were ordered mainly from Clyde yards and each year carried the majority of the population of Burma on its river network without loss of life. The paddle steamers were amongst the largest in the world, innovative in design and technology, and very beautiful. The flotilla began as a naval task force in the 1820s, was commandeered in five wars, and was to end its life with the British evacuation of Burma in 1942, the greatest evacuation in British military history. Fascinating personalities emerge from Strachan’s descriptions of Irrawaddy commanders and the flotilla’s key players. The ships evolved over a hundred years into riverine versions of ocean liners with plush cabins, restaurants, shops and even post offices on board. The largest class of ships carried 5,000 passengers including royalty, celebrities of the day and famous writers like Somerset Maugham along with early tourists and big game hunters. In the second part of the book, the author who himself has spent much of his life running ships on the rivers of Burma, takes us on a journey 1,000 miles upriver to explore the different regions of the country often highlighting Scottish connections. The river is the thread through which Burma’s often tragic history, yet rich and glorious Buddhist culture, flows and only on a river journey can the country be understood. Renamed Myanmar in 1997, Burma is Scotland’s ‘lost colony’ and the Scottish connection is little remembered today due to Burma’s half a century of post-war isolation. In its 1920s heyday Burma had the highest concentration of Scots anywhere in the world, outside of Scotland, with the exception of Canada. Scots were everywhere in Burma, running everything, and even their Burmese servants spoke in ‘broad’ Scots. With the ‘opening up’ of Burma in the early 21st century the Irrawaddy watershed, where about 50 million people live in a primitive rural economy, is under threat. Deforestation on a vast scale has resulted in the silting up of once navigable channels. China, with its ‘belt and road’ system that is a euphemism to a recolonisation of the country, plans to build one of the world’s largest dams in the river’s headwaters that would devastate the country’s agriculture and fisheries. The Fabulous Flotilla provides a revealing record of this remarkable era in Burma’s history and past Scottish endeavour – a jewel of a story that may soon be lost.

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Book SynopsisThe English canal network becomes increasingly popular and widely used each year. The main aim of this book is to explain how everything works - from locks and lifts, to tunnels and towpaths. Stan Yorke, a life-long narrow boat enthusiast, explains in an easy-to-understand manner the story of the canals. In this he is ably assisted by his son Trevor's superb drawings and diagrams. The book is divided into three clear sections. The first describes the history of the canals, the second looks at their structures and features, and the third suggests special sites of interest around the country, which can be visited by foot or by boat.

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Book SynopsisA practical illustrated guide to making scale model tug boats, offering information and guidance in line with the very latest developments in tug technology and design, and modern advances in model building. It covers scratch building, kits and mixing the two. The first six chapters are devoted to tugs in general, arranged by the duties for which each type of tug is designed. Subsequent chapters cover the details of scale modelling. This book is an enlargement and substantial revision of the tug material which appeared in the author's previous book Scale Model Tugs & Trawlers (Nexus Special Interests, 1999). Illustrated with original photographs and plans, it has been compiled from a wealth of practical experience and material gathered by experienced professional ship modeller Tom Gorman.Table of ContentsTugs in general. Harbour tugs. Coastal tugs. Estuary tugs and tug tenders. Ocean-going and salvage tugs. Small tugs, drive gear and towing. Modelling materials; handling fibreglass and other materials. Tools and equipment; power tools. Building a model tug; kits, semi-kits, adhesives. Electric motors; selecting and installing batteries. Miniature steam engines; selection and installation. Installation of state-of-the-art radio control equipment. Machinery and deck details of tugs; construction in miniature. Lighting the model tug; installation of navigation lights. Painting and finishing; displaying static models; maintaining working models. Competition; joining a model boat club.

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Book SynopsisConcentrates on the Bute West, Bute East and Roath Docks, from their beginnings in the 1840s, through the boom years of the 1950s and ''60s to the period of redevelopment and modernisation. This book includes 300 photographs and maps.

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Book SynopsisThe development of Birmingham into a major modern industrial city can be said to have begun in 1772 with the opening of its first canal. At that time Birmingham was a small and largely rural town with a growing manufacturing base. The growth of manufacturing within the town, however, was severely constrained by the lack of a cheap, reliable and efficient means of transport for the goods it produced. These difficulties were largely overcome by the building of the canal, in that it provided a cheap and efficient means of transport to convey the town's manufactured goods to markets beyond its boundaries. The why, when and how this first canal came to be built is explored in this detailed and highly referenced account. It tells the fascinating story of how a small group of innovative, determined and ambitious entrepreneurs joined together to plan and secure its construction, and thereby also secure the City's future progress and prosperity.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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