Description
Book SynopsisFrom orphaned cabin boy to ship's captain, shipping magnate and MP; the biography of a Victorian titan.
Trade Review‘William Schaw Lindsay’s extraordinary career, from seafarer to shipping magnate, Member of Parliament and author, adds a critical dimension to the history of Victorian Britain. His trenchant opinions open a window on a world in transition, war, politics and personal agendas.’ -- Andrew Lambert FKC, Laughton Professor of Naval History
‘A fabulous book about an extraordinary man.’ -- Dr Sam Willis, award-winning naval historian and broadcaster
‘A masterly piece of work covering a much neglected segment of mercantile maritime history.’ -- Captain Peter King, Master Mariner and author
‘William Schaw Lindsay’s unpublished journals provide a fresh and fascinating insight into British attitudes to the American Civil War. His personal account of his meetings with Napoleon III and his candid pen-portraits of Palmerston and Lord John Russell are particularly valuable.’ -- Charles Priestley, author of The Civil War Abroad: How the Great American Conflict Reached Overseas.
'It’s interesting to see, almost at first hand, how a penniless orphan became one of Britain’s leading shipping magnates.' -- Regency History
'Here we have a biography produced with great heart by the subject’s great-great-grandson William Stewart Lindsay – who believes, understandably, that his 19th century ancestor William Schaw Lindsay (1815-1877) should be better known in merchant shipping circles.' -- Nautilus Telegraph, September/October 2023
'Bill Lindsay has done full justice to his illustrious great-great-grandfather. Anyone with any interest in Victorian history, maritime history or the American Civil War will be grateful to him.' -- American Civil War Round Table, December 2023
'New book charts remarkable success of Victorian orphan who ran off to sea.' -- The Scotsman, January 2024
