Glory years of a well-loved island service
Isle of Man Steam Packet Heyday, by Adrian Sweeney
In 1935 the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company had a surprisingly large mixed fleet of 17 vessels including steamers, coal and oil burners and turbine engines – cargo and passenger vessels – serving ports in the UK.
Fascinating snippets from the company's history covering 1935 to 1975 are found in Isle of Man Steam Packet Heyday. This satisfyingly detailed resource covers all kinds of material, including: the impact of the seafarers' strike of 1966; discussions with builders; inspections; complete fleet list facts and figures; and black and white and colour photos mostly from the author's collection. The author also reflects on the company's losses in the First World War and subsequent post-war rebuilding.
Compiled by Ships of Mann magazine editor Adrian Sweeney, the book will appeal to those with an interest in this specific era of the passenger shipping company, which was founded right back in 1830. The careful research which has brought the title to publication apparently included hours spent poring over the company's mid-20th century board meeting minutes – a fine effort which has yielded an interesting and useful addition to the canon of maritime company histories.
Isle of Man Steam Packet Heyday
By Adrian Sweeney
Mainline & Maritime, £19.95
ISBN: 978 1913 797065
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
Shining a light on a neglected maritime sector
The Royal Navy and Fishery Protection, by Jon WiseThe Royal Navy and Fishery Protection is a comprehensive look at policy towards protecting the UK fishing fleet
Engaging account of past piracy
The Pirate Menace, by Angus KonstamAnyone looking for an enjoyable introduction to the golden age of piracy would do well to pick up this new book by expert researcher Angus Konstam.
Lining up liner histories
Tales From Great Passenger Ships, by Paul Curtis, and Serving on the Big Ships, by William H. MillerTwo recent releases from The History Press and Fonthill offer captivating insights into the world of passenger liners from different yet complementary perspectives.
Member's memoir of an epic career
Deep Seas and Tall Ships, by Peter J. HillPeter Hill's sea service began in 1963 at age 16, when he swapped a school uniform for his Merchant Navy cadet kit and began the first of many voyages.