Legendary Lusitania brought to life
Lusitania: Life of a Greyhound, by J. Kent Layton et al
No
less than five authors, Titanic experts and artists have come together to create two definitive (and rather beautiful) coffee table books about the Lusitania.
This legendary Edwardian North Atlantic liner – so famous in its time that several songs were written about it – also played a key part in 20th century history. When a German U-boat torpedoed Lusitania in 1915, the sinking turned public opinion in many nations against Germany, and it was later used in Allied propaganda and military recruiting campaigns.
This is volume one of the biography of the ship. It explains why Lusitania was built, shows it in construction at the Clydebank shipyards, and gives an insight into its technical marvels – all illustrated with never-before-seen photographs and computer-aided recreations that bring the details to life. Charting the vessel’s seven-and-a-half year career, the authors provide a full list of voyages and share fascinating stories from passengers and crew.
A second volume will explore the ship's wartime experiences, eventual demise, and the aftermath of the sinking – with fresh insights into what happened promised by the authors.
Lusitania: Life of a Greyhound
By J. Kent Layton, Tad Fitch, Michael Poirier, Tom Lynskey and Levi Rourke
The History Press, £40
ISBN: 978 18039 95236
Buy this book in the Nautilus Bookshop
While you're there, why not browse the rest of the titles in our unique maritime bookshop, which sells all the books reviewed on these pages.
Buy nowMore 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.