Ships and boats: general interest Books
Whittles Publishing Bustler Class Rescue Tugs: In War & Peace
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.
£17.09
Whittles Publishing Henry Robb Ltd. [1945-1965]: 3
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.
£17.09
Whittles Publishing The Fabulous Flotilla: Scotland's Adventure on
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.
£18.04
Countryside Books English Canals Explained
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.
£9.25
Special Interest Model Books Scale Model Tugs
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.
£14.95
Mortons Media Group An Illustrated History of Cardiff Docks: Pt. 1:
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.
£16.99
Brewin Books Birmingham's First Canal 1730-1772
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.
£11.97
Bernard McCall Bristol Port and Channel Nostalgia
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£14.40
Bernard McCall Classic Dutch-Built Coasters
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£15.30
Bernard McCall Mariners' Memorabilia Volume 3
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£11.40
Fernhurst Books Limited Diesel Companion
Book SynopsisA compact, handy, on-the-water reference guide containing all the essential information about keeping your marine diesel engine running for when you need it most: the perfect quick reference guide to keep onboard. The book covers the parts of the engine and has checklists for monthly, weekly and daily checks. It outlines what to do if the engine won’t start, or stop, if it overheats or there are problems with the fuel system. It tells you about servicing, the electrics and winterisation. Splash-proof and spiral bound – allowing you to lay it out flat beside your engine – this little book stands up to frequent use and will be a valued companion when the engine doesn’t behave.Table of ContentsParts of the Engine; Checklists; Engine Won’t Start; Engine Won’t Stop; Cooling; Overheating; Fuel System; Servicing Fuel System; Lubrication; Electrics; Winterisation; Battery.
£7.99
Red Herring Publishing Two Points East: A View of Maritime Norfolk
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£14.85
Schiffer Publishing Ltd Sailboats
Book SynopsisOver 75 striking black-and-white prints of classic sailboats in action from world-renowned photographer Michael Kahn.
£23.79
Whittles Publishing A Natural History of Lighthouses
Book SynopsisThis is the story of lightkeepers’ contributions to the natural history of lighthouses in conjunction with the history and maintenance of the manned navigation beacons – their primary function of course – ‘for the safety of all’. Since keepers were first engaged to maintain lighthouses around our coast they have encountered wildlife, and in some cases developed a keen interest and expertise on the subject. Towards the end of the nineteenth century keepers were encouraged to submit annual returns of bird movements enabling reports on bird migration and several authoritative books to be compiled. As a result, ornithologists began to recognise how many lighthouses were well-placed to establish bird observatories – a few were in redundant lighthouses, often on offshore islands. However, lightkeepers also recognised that in certain weather conditions and during migration times, flocks of birds were attracted to the beam, resulting in many fatalities. While the problem is now better understood and considerably reduced, the automation of all British lighthouses has resulted in there no longer being lighthouse keepers to monitor the situation and report bird, sea mammal, insect and bat movements. The Natural History of Lighthouses highlights the contribution made by lighthouse keepers over the last century or two to the study of natural history, and ornithology in particular. Much of this is discussed in the words of the keepers themselves, set in the context of lighthouse history. Scotland has an especially rich lighthouse tradition, mainly due to a dynasty of Stevenson engineers covering over a century, all of whom also had a profound understanding of weather and geology – and indeed natural history – so important in the placing of their lighthouses. Several redundant lighthouse buildings still function as bird observatories as well as wildlife viewpoints and study centres, museums, hotels, restaurants and private homes. The lanterns themselves are still maintained in this digital and satellite age, monitored remotely from a strategic control centre.Trade Review'...a collection of great stories about the life of the keepers, as well as references to the work of lightships and their crew. ...there are plenty of marvellous stories here. This well-produced book also contains some terrific photography.' Nautilus Telgraph
£22.46
The History Press Ltd Travelling Art
Book SynopsisThe hey-day of the British gypsy caravan was short, only about 70 years, during which period it grew from a simple utility vehicle, blossomed and flourished as a mobile work of art, then disappeared from common sight. These caravans were masterpieces of woodcraft and design, and the best of them cost as much as a small house. Unlike any small house, almost half the cost was in the decoration. This beautifully illustrated book presents the different types of caravan and the great variety of art which was carved and painted upon them and their brothers-in-transport, the old narrowboats. While there were certain rules and conventions of style, the decoration on and in all the types was ultimately governed only by how much money could be spent. The caravan in particular was the supreme status symbol among travelling people and its art the prime means for expressing where one stood in the world.
£17.00
The History Press Ltd Flying Boats
Book SynopsisChronicling a glamorous era in air travel, when journeys took days and were things to be savoured
£16.19
Amberley Publishing Cunard Cruise Ships
Book SynopsisIan Collard looks at the cruise ships of the iconic Cunard line.
£999.99
HarperCollins Publishers Grand Union Oxford and the South East 1
Book SynopsisThe bestselling guides to Britain's canals and rivers for more than 50 years.For all users of Britain's inland waterways. This established, popular and practical guide covers the canals and waterways between London and Birmingham.Waterways covered in this guide Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation, Grand Union Canal, Lee & Stort Navigations, River Medway, Oxford Canal, River Thames.Guide includes; Detailed Collins mapping at a scale of 2 inches = 1 mile, 3 cm = 1 km. Descriptive text and accompanying images Comprehensive navigational notes Information about points of interest along the waterways, e.g. local landmarks, pubs, water points, etc.Published for more than 50 years, the best-selling Collins Nicholson guides to the waterways have always been a vital part of journeys along Britain's canals and rivers. They are designed for anyone and everyone with an interest in Britain's inland waterways from experienced boaters to those planning their first boat trip, as well as walkers, cyclistsTrade Review"few serious boaters will venture out without a Nicholson's Guide. There is a wealth of information that even the most experienced cannot hope to keep abreast of, and the guides are welcome valuable for cyclists and walkers too."The Inland Waterways Association.
£15.29
HarperCollins Publishers Nottingham York and the North East 6
Book Synopsis
£15.29
WW Norton & Co FranceNorway
Book SynopsisThe dean of ocean-liner historians brings to life one of the last transatlantic liners: the legendary France, later renamed Norway.
£53.99
Bloomsbury USA Transatlantic Liners Shire Library 660
Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction The Age of the Superliner A Call to Arms: The Liners and the Great War Peace and a New Generation Return to Conflict: The Second World War Uncertain Future: The Decline of the Liner The Legends Live On Index
£999.99
The History Press Ltd Folk Tales from the Canal Side
Book SynopsisStories that celebrate the real people that lived and worked on Britain's canalsTrade Review"Ian's first book was altogether a very enjoyable read, and one which caused me to frequently laugh out loud. I must say I read the entire book in one sitting. I highly recommend it!" -- Linda Hollington, Editor
£10.80
The History Press Ltd Illustrated Mauretania 1907
Book SynopsisIllustrated history reveals the many experiences of Mauretania (1907) across an illustrious career
£21.25
The History Press Ltd The Anatomy of Canals Vol 3 Decline Renewal
Book SynopsisCompetition from rail and later road forced many canals into closure, and a large section of the old system seemed doomed to crumble away into terminal decay. Then came a new industry: the canal leisure industry, and with it the birth of the restoration movement. This final volume in the Anatomy of Canals series looks at what has been achieved and how the new compares with the old. Cities such as Brimingham have now been won over and have made the old canals part of a lively rejuvenation programme, while a new generation of engineers has produced such marvels as the Falkirk Wheel.
£24.00
The History Press Ltd The Big Ditch Manchesters Ship Canal
Book SynopsisNowadays most of us think of the Manchester Ship Canal as that bit of water under the Thelwell Viaduct as we sit in one of England''s traffic jam black spots but in the days before the M6, the Manchester Ship Canal was an important route from the docks at Salford and industrial Manchester to the world. From banana boats to cattle carriers, from tramp steamers to pleasure steamers, all sorts of ships used this busy thoroughfare.It wasn''t always like this - at one time the docks at Birkenhead and Liverpool received the goods that Manchester needed and everything travelled by railway, canal or road to the North''s industrial metropolis. In the 1880s, construction on Britain''s largest man-made inland waterway and soon sizable ships sailed to Salford. A stunning engineering project in its own right, the ''Big Ditch'' also spawned smaller marvels such as the Barton Aqueduct and it remained busy for almost a century. Now little used, it still remains a marvel of Victorian engineering.
£999.99
The History Press Ltd Scottish Fishing Boats
Book SynopsisA companion to his successful first book, James Pottinger's new volume Scottish Fishing Boats: A New Look looks farther afield, and covers the fishing history of the areas of north-east Scotland, the west coast and Shetland. Topics covered include miscellaneous types from today and the past, pursers, smaller craft, visiting boats and boats which were lost to sea or have been scrapped. A number of older boats are included to illustrate shapes and designs, which are often held to retain a measure of character and individuality, perhaps not as prevalent today. Touching on some of the changes in boat types and fishing methods, as well as changes and developments in design and catching methods, this second selection of images brings the story of Scotland's fishing boats up to date.
£15.29
The History Press Ltd The River Welland Shipping and Mariners of
Book SynopsisIn its heyday Spalding was a busy commercial port, with a shipping industry that affected a large majority of the local population.
£15.29
The University of Alabama Press Engines of Rebellion
Book SynopsisA challenge to the prevailing idea that Confederate ironclads were inherently defective. The development of steam propulsion machinery in warships during the nineteenth century, in conjunction with iron armor and shell guns, resulted in a technological revolution in the world's navies. Warships utilizing all of these technologies were built in France and Great Britain in the 1850s, but it was during the American Civil War that large numbers of ironclads powered solely by steam proved themselves to be quite capable warships. Historians have given little attention to the engineering of Confederate ironclads, although the Confederacy was often quite creative in building and obtaining marine power plants. Engines of Rebellion: Confederate Ironclads and Steam Engineering in the American Civil War focuses exclusively on ships with American built machinery, offering a detailed look at marine steam-engineering practices in both northern and southern industry prior to and during the Civil WTrade ReviewEngines of Rebellion is unquestionably a contribution to our knowledge of Confederate naval vessels, particularly their machinery."" - William N. Still Jr., author of Crisis at Sea: The United States Navy in European Waters in World War I and coauthor of Raiders and Blockaders: The American Civil War Afloat""Provides an important look at the issues that the Confederate Navy dealt with, both in acquiring the machinery, but also the issues concerning the operation of the machinery. This book is thoroughly researched, insightful, and well written."" - Robert M. Browning Jr., author of Lincoln's Trident: The West Gulf Blockading Squadron during the Civil War and Success Is All that Was Expected: The South Atlantic Blockading Squadron during the Civil War
£44.20
Foxglove Publishing Ltd Fowey Lifeboats 150 Years of Gallantry
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£5.99
Foxglove Publishing Ltd Lighthouses of England The South West
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£9.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Early Ships and Seafaring
Book SynopsisAimed at anyone with an interest in the building and uses of ancient and medieval boats.
£14.39
Amberley Publishing Artemis
Book SynopsisA beautifully illustrated and detailed account of this much-loved vessel.
£16.99
Amberley Publishing Chatham Naval Dockyard Barracks Through Time
Book SynopsisThis fascinating selection of photographs traces some of the many ways in which Chatham Naval Dockyard & Barracks have changed and developed over the last century.
£999.99
Amberley Publishing The Ships of Scapa Flow
Book SynopsisA new look at the naval base at Scapa Flow, Orkney, and the ships that have used it and still remain today.
£14.39
Amberley Publishing Dunkirk Little Ships
Book SynopsisThe story of how 700 small privatelyâowned vessels helped to save 338,226 British and French soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk in 1940.
£14.39
Amberley Publishing Holland America Liners 19502015
Book SynopsisAn illustrated history of the Holland America Line and its postwar fleet.
£13.49
Amberley Publishing Narrow Boats
Book SynopsisThe narrowboats built for transporting cargo on Britainâs canals are one of the great symbols of Britain. This highly illustrated book explores their history and development, and what it was like to crew a working vessel.
£8.54
Amberley Publishing Sealink British Ferries
Book SynopsisA lavishly illustrated look at this much-missed company. Ian Collard tells the fascinating story of this unique shipping company.
£14.39
Casemate Publishers The One Ship Fleet: USS Boise—WWII Naval Legend,
Book SynopsisThe Brooklyn-class light cruiser USS Boise (CL-47) was one of the most famous US combat ships of World War II, already internationally renowned following her participation in the naval battles in the Solomons in 1942. After repairs and modifications, in 1943 the Boise was sent to the Mediterranean theatre, there to participate in the invasions of Sicily, Taranto, and Salerno, and enhancing her fame by destroying enemy tanks during armoured counterattacks in both Sicily and Salerno.From the Mediterranean, Boise was sent to the Southwest Pacific theatre to join the US 7th Fleet for the campaign in New Guinea in 1943–44 and then the invasion of the Philippines. She fought in the battle of Leyte Gulf, notably in the night engagement in the Surigao Strait, where battleships faced off against each other for the last time in maritime history. Boise was credited with helping to sink a Japanese battleship. She also fought off the suicide planes known as kamikazes at Leyte and later at Lingayen Gulf during the invasion of Luzon. MacArthur used her as his flagship for the Luzon attack, thereby adding to her already considerable fame, then after helping retake Corregidor and other islands in the Philippines, Boise carried the general on a triumphant tour of the islands. This tour was interrupted for the invasion of Borneo, but completed when the beach was secured. After MacArthur left the ship in June 1945, she returned to the US for overhaul which was just complete as the war ended, by which time she had been awarded 11 battle stars, more than any other light cruiser in her class.This full account of USS Boise’s war not only gives us an insight into how one ship navigated a global conflict, but also an insight into the experiences of the men who served on her, and a new perspective on the naval campaigns of the war.Table of ContentsPart I: A Sea Story: A Georgia “cracker” meets the USS Boise 1. Prologue. 2. The USS Boise, 1938–1942 Part II: Through the Gates of Hercules: The Mediterranean Theater 1943 3. Operation Husky: The Invasion of Sicily 4. Operation Avalanche: The Invasion of Salerno Part III: With MacArthur’s Navy in the Southwest Pacific, 1943–45 5. Playing Leapfrog with the Japanese in New Guinea, 1943–44 6. Return to the Philippines: The Battle of Leyte Gulf 7. Kamikaze: The Divine Wind sweeps across the Philippines 8. The Invasion of Luzon: The Battle of Lingayen Gulf, January 1945 9. The Battle of Corregidor and Manila Part IV: Wrapping it Up in the Southwest Pacific 10. Wrapping it Up: Mindanao, Borneo, and California, March–June 1945 11. Farewell to a Navy Legend Appendices Glossary & Acronyms Photographs Sources: Documents and Bibliography
£27.96
Fonthill Media Ltd Chasing the Dawn: Travelling the World with P&O
Book SynopsisThere is still some romance attached to the idea of sea travel; cruising the world's oceans in luxury and comfort; sailing to far-flung destinations as the first explorers did hundreds of years ago. Some cities are seen at their best by an arrival by water, gradually revealing themselves as the ship sails ever closer-Malta, Sydney and San Francisco to name a few. The Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Co. and, today P&O Cruises, have been taking passengers all over the world since 1837. Join the author on a world cruise in P&O Cruises' 180th celebration year. Find out how world travel has changed, and, in some cases, has not. Using extracts from old diaries, guide books and accounts, the writer compares cruising today with yesteryear. Get a captain's view of this special voyage; discover what goes into making it a unique experience; how they prepare over 7,500 meals every day. The author was commissioned to assist in planning the itinerary and special excursions, visiting ports that were instrumental in the growth of P&O and still welcome their ships today. Discover amazing countries, cultures, and sights on a journey that circumnavigates the world. A blend of travelogue and history.Table of ContentsForeword; Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1 The Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company; 2 Preparations; 3 Southampton to Dubai; 4 Dubai to Singapore; 5 Singapore to Sydney; 6 Sydney to San Francisco; 7 San Francisco to Southampton; 8 In Conclusion; Bibliography.
£17.00
The History Press Ltd Fishing Boats Around Scotland: 30 Years of
Book SynopsisSpend thirty years or so roaming around Scotland checking out the fishing harbours and you’ll encounter quite the variety of fishing craft. Take pictures of them and you’ll end up with quite the collection of images of how things used to be.Fishing Boats Around Scotland is a compilation of the best of these photos, featuring vessels from over eighty different builders, boats that were built as far back as 1949 and a brief history of what became of them. From Kirkcudbright to Mallaig and Eyemouth to Burghead, ring netters and seiners to pelagic trawlers and beamers, this is the perfect journey for the fishing boat or maritime aficionado.Trade Review“A compilation of the best of the photos from that labour of love, Peter Drummond’s latest book features vessels from over 80 different yards, builds from far back as 1949, and a huge range of vessel types, from old drifters, seiners and ring-netters through to the most modern pelagic boats.” * Fishing News *
£16.19
Stenlake Publishing Steamers of Loch Lomond
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£9.36
Stenlake Publishing Puffers & Places
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£11.35
Stenlake Publishing Derbyshire's Canals
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£11.95
Stenlake Publishing Ships of the Clan Line
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£999.99
Airlife Publishing Ltd Vital Guide: Fighting Ships of World War Ii
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£9.99
Imray, Laurie, Norie & Wilson Ltd Hidden Harbours of Southwest Scotland
Book SynopsisHidden Harbours of Southwest Scotland is a lively tour of small and infrequently visited harbours on the stunning Scottish coast and its nearby islands, starting from Port Logan in the south and meandering northwards to Lerags on Loch Feochan in the Firth of Lorn. The southwest coast of Scotland is one of the most beautiful cruising areas in the world, combining dramatic scenery with interesting history and landmarks. Many of its shores are lined with old castles and the magnificent historical houses of rich industrialists, reflecting its significance as an area of busy trade. The more recent military developments, which include a wartime torpedo base at Loch Long and the naval headquarters at Faslane on Gare Loch, also have a significant presence. Small harbours further south were shaped by the trade in natural resources and the flow of passengers via Clyde Puffer boats to and from nearby cities such as Glasgow and beyond. Each hidden harbour, many of which are simple but attractive piers or shipways built to support trade, has a story to tell. The book includes a historical overview plus notes on what is to be found at each, alongside full colour photographs and annotated aerial shots. This edition complements the other Hidden Harbours titles in the series by Dag Pike.
£999.99
Gill Lighthouses of Ireland: An Illustrated Guide to
Book Synopsis`I can think of no other edifice constructed by man as altruistic as a lighthouse. They were built only to serve.’ George Bernard Shaw Since ancient times, long before GPS, radio transmission or radar, lighthouses have served as beacons helping ships to navigate Ireland’s sometimes treacherous waters. The earliest lights were simply bonfires built on hillsides; in the fifth century, St Dúbhan established a brazier of burning wood or turf on the headland of Hy Kinsellagh (now known as Hook Head). Today, despite technological advances, these coastal icons continue to serve as crucial navigational aids for the maritime traffic of our island nation, from the smallest leisure crafts to cargo ships and trawlers. By day, they mark the way with their instantly recognisable appearances; at night, by the character of their signals. One flash every two seconds tells a sailor that they are near Valentia Island off the coast of Kerry. Four flashes every twenty seconds means that they are further north, approaching Loop Head in County Clare. As well as representing a unique part of our maritime history and built heritage, lighthouses are a powerful symbol of strength and resilience in times of darkness. This evokes an irresistible fascination with them in many people. Artist Roger O’Reilly grew up near the Boyne Estuary lighthouse in County Meath and ever since has associated a sense of peace and reassurance with the warm glow of lighthouse beacons. He has spent two years criss-crossing the country to draw dramatic portraits of these sentinels of our shores. Gathered in this extraordinary collection, each beloved landmark is accompanied by a wealth of practical and insightful information: history, location, elevation, signal and range. This spectacularly illustrated celebration of these architectural gems will be treasured by anyone who finds comfort, intrigue or excitement in the glimmer of a lighthouse through the darkness.
£999.99