Luxury liners loved by their crews
Italian Liners of the 1960s, by Ian Sebire
Ian Sebire's illustrated history tells the story of the four major ships created by Italian ship designer Nicolò Costanzi.
Costanzi was born in the naval city of Trieste, and it was his home that inspired his builds. Sebire fills the reader in on the historical context behind Costanzi's career, including an interesting fact about the designer's last name, which was changed from Cossancig to Costanzi during Italian dictator Benito Mussolini's Italianisation policy.
The book tells the stories of Costanzi's four standout vessels: Galileo Galilei, Guglielmo Marconi, Oceanic and Eugenio C. Each ship had its own unique history, from births onboard to mutinies. However, one thing all the vessels had in common was the crews' love for them.
Passenger Marc Lewis, who sailed on the Oceanic many times, describes the dedication the crew had to the ship, with the experience onboard making travellers feel like they were in Italy. The high-quality images compiled by Sebire also give the reader a real feel for what it would be like onboard one of Costanzi's liners.
More than half a century since Costanzi's death, his legacy lives on, with the ending of the book noting how social media has brought past crew and passengers together to celebrate the memories made onboard.
Italian Liners of the 1960s: The Costanzi Quartet
By Ian Sebire
Amberley Publishing, £15.99
ISBN: 978 13981 08066
More Books
Scottish city's maritime heart
Glasgow Harbour By Graeme Smith and Mike McCreeryFew places are as closely tied to maritime heritage as Glasgow. In this richly illustrated guide, Graeme Smith and Mike McCreery trace the history of the city's Clydeside harbour from its beginnings in the 17th century to its present-day redevelopment.
Standing the test of tide
Piers of England and Wales By Steve EdmundsIn this richly illustrated guide, Steve Edmunds takes readers on a tour of the iconic structures that blend land and sea – home to all manner of amusements and amenities.
Maritime mystery tour
Irish Sea Lime Trade, by David JohnsonIn his attractively-presented book, David Johnson takes us on a tour of historical sites in the Irish Sea lime trade, from South Pembrokeshire up to the Solway Firth, and across to the Isle of Man and Ireland.
From seafarer to force of nature
Gale Force 10, by Nicholas CourtneyFrances Beaufort was born in Ireland to a family of Huguenot descent, and first went to sea in 1789 onboard the ill-fated British East India Company vessel Vansittart. In a fascinating career, he is best known for creating the Beaufort Wind Scale.