Mixed memories of an eventful year
A Maritime Review of 2021, by Krispen Atkinson and David Walker
Ah, 2021. A year featuring the pandemic-related crew change crisis, the near-collapse of the cruise sector and the Ever Given becoming stuck in the Suez Canal.
Of course, most seafarers had to get on with their work in much the same way as usual, and A Maritime Review of 2021 certainly reflects this.
Part of an annual series published by the amateur enthusiasts at the World Ship Society, the work is essentially a shipspotting book: an album of vessel photos taken around the world and captioned with ship particulars and potted histories.
The book looks at vessels newly entering service – such as the Global Mercy hospital ship – as well as those coming to the end of their lives and those simply going about their business. Groundings and other incidents are recorded, and the Ever Given is allocated a special five-page section.
Although well-presented with high-quality photos on glossy paper, the book suffers a little from the apparently random order in which it presents the vessels. A more obvious theme or structure would have been useful. However, all the ships are listed in alphabetical order in the index at the back, so that definitely wins the work some points compared to many others of its type.
A Maritime Review of 2021
By Krispen Atkinson and David Walker
World Ship Society, £18
ISBN: 978 19160 58965
More Books
Sort out your sextant skills
Reeds Astro Navigation Tables 2025, by Kendall CarterNew year, new astro navigation tables! The latest edition of this popular work gives a calendar showing where useful heavenly bodies will be each day in 2025, as well as guidance to help you practise navigating with your sextant using the sun and stars.
Well-researched history of mass maritime travel
Ocean Liners, by Anthony BurtonThe new title Ocean Liners has a great deal more to it than most books about liners and cruise ships, with plenty of technical content to appeal to an audience of maritime professionals.
Weathering your STCW studies
Meteorology for Seafarers sixth edition, by RM Frampton and PA UttridgeIf you’re looking to understand the practical side of meteorology, this book co-written by a former general secretary of the Marine Society will do the trick.
Thrilling mission to protect the Convoys
Operation Title, by Glyn L EvansDrawing on official records and personal accounts, author Glyn Evans brings the sinking of the Tirpitz to life by focusing on the experiences of one participant, able seaman Robert Paul Evans, making this a more intimate view of a well-known event.