Search results for ""author stephen m. payne""

During the First World War the reputation of the British Royal Navy was put on the line in its defence of the country, and, crucially, it was in those years, 1914–19, that the Grand Fleet became the single most potent weapon of war of any nation. In this comprehensive, illustrated history, Ridley-Kitts tells of the creation and development of the Grand Fleet under the drive of the energetic and charismatic Admiral of the Fleet ‘Jacky’ Fisher, who modernised the navy with the introduction of the revolutionary Dreadnought battleship. This type of vessel in particular made other nations’ battleships obsolete, created a powerful weapon for the defence of the British Empire and its trade, and finally defeated the machinations of Kaiser William II. Using unique illustrations rendered by the author, the story of the Grand Fleet is told in accessible narrative style, with outstanding technical detail that will satisfy naval enthusiasts.

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Cunard’s first ship, Britannia, set sail across the Atlantic on 4 July 1840, inaugurating a service that has endured for 175 years. Cunard’s success is in part due to its continuous technological advances; from the early years of wooden paddle steamers to steel-hulled leviathans, electric lighting to steam turbine engines. But it is the ships themselves, the shipbuilders, managers, crew and guests that have had the greatest impact on the success of the line, creating unique environments full of personality. The Cunard fleet answered the call of duty during the two world wars and transported thousands of troops to fight for the Allied forces. Cunard’s QE2 was a much-beloved liner and the most famous ship at sea, participating in the Falklands campaign and sailing more than 2.5 million miles during a 40-year career. Today the three current Queens are a celebration of Cunard’s heritage and are considered to be some of the greatest ships in the world, providing luxurious accommodation, excellent service and lively entertainment whilst their passengers travel the world. This book uses stunning photographs and personal stories to explore the history of these magnificent ships.

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By the 1970s it looked as if QE2 would be the last of the great transatlantic ocean liners. However, over three decades later the world watched in awe as Queen Mary 2, the largest, longest, grandest and most expensive ocean liner ever to be constructed, set sail on her maiden voyage in 2004. With 14 decks and beautiful lounges, dining rooms and a ballroom, QM2 evokes the glamour of the golden age of ocean travel. QM2: A Photographic Journey allows the reader to experience this unique vessel from the comfort of their own home, with numerous photographs of each of QM2’s public rooms as well as stunning exterior shots and behind the scenes access. This revised edition has been extensively updated to reflect the 2016 refit, with many new photographs from around the ship.

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