Cunard Line: A Fleet History

A4 format. 700+ illustrations. The individual histories of 310 ships from Unicorn in 1840 to the current Queen Elizabeth are featured with over 700 illustrations, many in colour. Individual chapters also cover each aspect of the company's operations including the transatlantic cargo fleet, cruise ships, tankers and bulk carriers, container ships and reefers and managed ships. Although many books have been written about Cunard's passenger ships in the 20th century, few have covered the 19th century fleet in much detail, particularly the important Mediterranean services. The cargo fleet has also been poorly served, especially with the carriage of cargo being as important as passenger carryings during the first 150 years of Cunard's existence. Little has also been written about the company tenders and the many ships managed by Cunard during both World Wars. Using original source material, this book redresses this imbalance with the most comprehensive history ever written about Cunard and its ships. Great care has also been taken with the layout of the book so that it is easy to follow. Not only is there a detailed index, individual chapters also tell the story of the ships in each aspect of the company's operation, including the trans-Atlantic liners, cargo fleet, cruise ships, tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, reefers and managed ships. The front cover of the book has a specially-commissioned painting of the original Queen Elizabeth by the renowned marine artist Stephen Card. Written by the well-known maritime author, Peter Newall, also the author of Mauretania, Triumph and Resurrection, the definitive fleet histories of the Union-Castle and Orient Lines, and Cape Town Shipping, it is hoped that Cunard Line, A Fleet History will become the standard reference for the 173-year-old Cunard Line. A full index of ship names is included.