Another copy of this sought-after book has been found.

The author advanced from ships boy to commodore of the Cunard Line. This is the second volume of his memoirs. Written with great good humour and fascinating detail.

Hard cover 315 pp. 20 photos, maps, 

Very good condition, firm binding dust cover scuffed and slight tears

Embroidered "James Craig" and SHF website address.

Showing the parlous condition of hull plating on pilot steamer John Oxley before restoration began. 

Mounted on a piece of the original 2" thick teak deck planking

Every hull plate in now new.

An outstanding history of the major ships and shipping lines which plied the Australia trade from Europe during the 1920s thru the 1970s. P&O, Sitmar,  Cogedar, Flotta Lauro, Huddart Parker, over 25 companies covered with copious illustrations.

Large format 210 pp.  approx 200 photos all B&W

see image for precis

Soft cover 268 pp.

the story is told ship by ship with a description of the scene, the events leading up to the disaster, the outcome 

Impressively full coverage of over 200 events. Long indices by ship, location and personnel

A detailed work of history in very readable form, taken chapter by chapter.

Very Good condition slight scuffing of corners and edges

A definitive history of the long lasting rivalry between shipowners and whole nations for the honour of offering the fastest Atlantic crossing. From earliest records to USS United States.

Every ship, its specifications, history, builders owners etc. is described, as well as the intensity (and cost) of the competition. A very satisfying read for any maritime fan.

192 pp. in Very Fine condition. The dust jacket is protected by a laminated plastic film

approx 50 photos all B&W. index of vessels and builders and lines

published 1973

Mainly but not entirely about the bravery of the men and the fate of so many fine ships of the merchant marine during WWII.  

Many photos and illustrations plus  40 superb sectioned explanatory drawings.

A fascinating piece of history yet not dated: the times described seem like only yesterday.

256 pp. index. Good condition cloth bound

Powerful, wonderfully artistic photographic record, from the placing of abutments to the Opening Procession.

The effect is entirely visual with enough text to place each photo in context, plus a very detailed text description of design, planning and engineering processes.

A4 landscape, 100 photos full page fine B&W soft cover,

Very good condition some foxing and scuffing of covers

There is always a place for a new study of the life and work of the great navigator

256 pp. paperback full index. Line drawings and some maps.

See the image for a full precis

Very good condition

From a very prolific maritime author incl.   "Fatal Storm"

A sought after publication, deeply researched. 16 page colour section. very large index

pub. 12013 ABC Books

464 pp. 24x16  size  very fine condition

see image for precis

review:

In a secular world ,this book might have little appeal to many readers. However on reading this book I found much of interest starting from the early years of the RAN,the Chaplains in those early years had more people to serve,who professed and practised their faith,than would be the case today. Later on in WW11,some chaplains notably Keith Mathieson,were taken prisoner by the Japanese and helped unfortunate fellow victims in practical as well as spiritual ways. This work is worth reading for providing a different point of view.

From 1912 to the Vietnam War, chaplains did much more than simply conduct services and burials. Their role in maintaining the morale and mental health of serving men was important and  at times crucial in situations such as POW prisons.. . Well written and full of gripping anecdotes, leaving the reader impressed by the strength of character of the gentle chaplain.

348 pp. over 25 photos all B&W taken over a wide time scale

Very Fine condition in clear wrapper with an unusual break out in the front dust wrapper.  see image

The author himself, a very famous skipper of fully rigged ships and widely travelled sailor, covers every aspect of the ship from building in Dumbarton in 1869 to her preservation.

96 pp. over 40 illustrations, paintings and photos, all B&W

Fine condition dust cover very good, in clear wrapper

96 pp. paperback 18 photos B&W

There is always something new to learn about this wonderful ship.

See image for the critics' views

A very readable even thrilling autobiography of a sea captain from his youth to sail days to steam.

pub. 1934 

270 pp. some illustrations  (woodcuts?). Fair condition. Some sunning of paper, occasional blotches binding intact but rough in places. Contents intact and clearly readable.

11 tales of the sea some true others imaginative fiction by different authors including Conrad, Masefield, Shalimar ( FC Hendry) Robert Morley.

160 pp hardback Good condition ex-library film-wrapped.

A definitive work on the history of the European settlement of Australia and its origins  as a naval colony. A gripping read. 

paperback  very good condition two photo /illustration sections  16 pp each

688 pp. large index

A sought-after classic by this well-respected chronicler of Sydney's and Australia's maritime life and history.

see image for precis

signed by the author December 1975 (A christmas present?)

130 pp. over 200 photos some in colour. Table of ferry statistics. Translations of Aboriginal names

Very Fine condition in plastic wrapper

The memoir of a tea clipper captain told in gripping and vivid terms by the man who lived through the most important era of sail. It doesn't get more real than this, history told in fluent prose by a man who made it.

238 pp. index and introduction by David MacGregor

Very Fine condition

Rare.

The first book published to describe the discovery, assessment and recovery process, and first steps in restoration, of the rusted hulk of James Craig in Recherche Bay Tasmania.   32 pp. soft cover  full colour except historic B&W pub. 1978.

Liberally illustrated .

Fair condition with scuffed covers and evidence of old labels

A fine old style hard back cloth-bound complete history of the company from 1837 to 1937

Large type making easy reading, it is a really enjoyable and meaningful book, uplifting and amusingly written without compromising accuracy.

288 pp. approx 20 photos and paintings, many colour plates. 

Remarkably, inscribed inside front cover " J. Whyte. CHIEF ENGINEER

P&O RMS MOOLTAN.               COLOMBO 6th October 1937"  

" Managing Director's Compliments "

Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company 122 Leadenhall Street London E.C.3

Perhaps a rare copy of a book published mainly for the officers and staff

Very Good condition with no damage o r missing pages. Dust cover intact but scuffed and badly sunned.

A fascinating read especially for former P&O travellers.

photos show endpapers and title page

A prize must go for this most uninteresting and least informative book title.

However it turns out to be a wonderful compendium of tricks of the yachting trade. What happens when you hit a whale. How to stop your spare battery going flat. Packing a stern gland, keeping fit on a small boat. Some useful knots, hints to better cooking.

Delightful reading interesting and useful for the curious mind. Amusing but above all practical.

240  pp. soft cover in tough plastic slip protector. Fine condition

Bellubera caught fire at Kurraba Point in November 1936. This is just one of many remarkable events in the history of the Port Jackson and Manly Steamship Company and is recorded here along with some seldom-seen photos. Despite her upperworks being completely destroyed, she was repaired and put back in service. The damaged engine was never quite the same again it seems,

Every detail of the long-running service starting in 1848, is addressed here, with many impressive action photos of ferries almost invisible behind massive swells. A whole chapter is devoted to "The Greatest of Them All" : South Steyne, although for my money the finest were the sisters Dee Why and Curl Curl.  There are some quite dramatic shots of these two breasting huge swells across the Heads. 

190 pp. soft cover over 100 photos and paintings, some in colour.

Very good condition: in clear wrapper

see image for precis

a detailed study in text, photos and drawings of the trading ships of the era.

Index and interesting appendices

252 pp. over 200 photos paintings and drawings 

Very Fine condition in plastic wrapper

A well-written deeply researched biography of the man whose exploits and achievements are little known despite his high profile as a  vice-regal figure.

Impressive story well-told and well worth reading

The history from beginning to end of the lifeblood of the NSW North Coast, the coastal cargo and passenger steamers.

Sometimes there were catastrophic misadventures along the treacherous rugged coastline of bars rocks and tricky river entrances.

20 photos and paintings all B&W. Index of all known vessels on the run. 

appendices

List of vessels and their page number in text

Extracts from NCSN Co regulations

Clarence River cargo summary 1940

Shipping advertisements 1917. vintage .Maps

Soft covers published 1977 174 pp. Fair condition only. Detached front cover and loose rear cover. needs repair. Text unaffected.

A very fine pictorial study of the many types of British mercant sailing ships, their crews, builders owners and work.

110 pp. over 150 photos and very full captions.

A satisfying book to dip into, subject by subject.

Fine condition

A serious, very well-illustrated history of the several major building companies producing remarkable vessels in fairly primitive conditions. Each builder and his ships are dealt with individually in pleasing detail. 

Many chapters are given over to the enormous production of the Davis Family, of Davistown

336 pp.  over 100 photos, illustrations and maps

The book is in new condition

The full story of the recovery from the Falkland Islands, return to England and restoration of Brunel's ship, the first screw steamer to cross the Atlantic, written by the project's chairman.

A marvellous tale and one followed by millions of Britons.

226 pp. over 20 photos, very fully detailed account, not dissimilar to the James Craig odyssey. 

Very good condition, one dent in front cover, dust jacket rough

A nice little picture book showing many of the fascinating types of river boats, both modern and vintage. 

120 pp. over 90 photos, B&W and colour. Historic texts, specifications, and fleet lists. 

soft cover Very good condition

Click on the photos at left to read a synopsis.

A very readable study of the  magnificent Great Barrier rRef, and the threats facing it, by a skin diver, and passionate advocate of its conservation. Factual not a diatribe.

388 pp. some photos B&W and 16 page colour photo section.  Beautifully presented book would make a useful gift to an interested sea goer.

Large clear type making it a pleasure to read.

Very fine condition, as new

Illustrated history of steam ships around Australia and NZ 1840 to 1970

128 pp. hard covers over 150 photos all historic B&W

Fine condition very slight denting/scoring of dust cover

The Authorised Story.

Much research and input from Cunard give the inside story on this great symbol of British marine history.

A fascinating story told with great skill.

190 pp. full index approx 20 photos and drawings.

Fine condition. dust cover very slight creasing

Vessel by vessel chronologically. Each ship is photographed with detailed historical text

220 pp. hard cover.  Fleet lists bibliography and index

Fine condition with small tear at front lower RHS of dust cover

Vessel by vessel chronologically. Each ship is photographed with detailed historical text

220 pp. hard cover.  Over 100 photos all B&W. Fleet lists bibliography and index

Fine condition with small dent at top RHS 

206 pp. hardback approx 100 photos

Describes the author's build-up to a life at sea, years on windjammers, then steamers, little ships and warships and War

a very readable and often gripping life story

see image for precis

Very Good condition, but some tears in dust cover

A short history of sea enterprise. The image gives chapter headings.

 216 pp. hardback cloth bound . ex -Lancashire County Library

Fair condition. tear at top of spine some dents at corners

a photo study with impressive action photos by the author 

111 photos . 12 page foreword and introduction.

Good condition pages somewhat sunned. dustcover poor.

image gives full precis

A very detailed history of shipping types around Australia, from tall ships, tugs, tankers, cargo vessels, passenger ships,  warships, even Murray paddlewheelers. There are 20 chapters, each profusely illustrated 

200 pp. over 150 photos, drawings, paintings, some in colour.

Fine condition. some scuffing of dust cover edges.

A good read, to dip into many times.

see image for precis

A thrillig tale told with skill and with fine characterisation

224 pp. 16 photos all B&W

In depth history of the ship's every move during her remarkable time as a prize captured by New Zealand. 

Accompanied by many photos and maps, documents and paintings.

The book is a very full way to experience the life and times of the famous clipper during her unusual voyages in WWII, after her early life with the Erikson Line

270 pp. over 100 images, some colour.

very fine condition in clear plastic wrapper.

202 pp. 12 colour plates over 100 photos all B&W

A fascinating collection of reminiscences  of the great era of windjammers as it slowly ended in the early 20th century.

Wonderfully well-illustrated exciting and informative 

Very good condition slight sunning

A pictorial history of the great windjammers of yesteryear

see image for precis

191 pp. over 150 photos, fleet lists and line drawings

Very Fine condition in plastic wrapper

A pictorial record from 1930 to 1936 from the laying down of keel, through launching, fitting out and voyages. 

Fascinating views of her sumptuous interiors, and propulsion machinery.

approx 60 pages over 100 photos all B&W. hard cover 

full descriptive text with all photos.

Good condition, some fading and sunning of cover.

The author is  a retired Captain of Marines, and well-known authority on Merchant shipping.

A wonderful tour through all things maritime. Sail steam machinery, boilers, undersea work. "A wealth of nautical lore".

It has appeal to seafarers and spectators. 

252 pp. 60 photos all B&W, some drawings. Written in an amusing but informative style

Very good condition, Dust cover some small tears and scuffing.

 The whole story from inception, intriguing early designs, to the present day

Many photos drawings cartoons , posters

120 pp.  over 150 illustrations hard cover

Fine condition some creasing of dust cover only  pub. 1982 Allen and Unwin

see image for precis

The Royal Navy maintained a fleet in Australia, mainly in Sydney based at Garden Island until the creation of the RAN on 10th July 1911.

The book is a superlative pictorial study of the many, many vessels assigned to the Station from its establishment as a separate command in 1859. However ships from Endeavour and Sirius onward are covered in full using very fine pen and ink drawings . 

The quality of the book is shown by the inclusion of photos from as far back as 1875.

The epic tale of Shackletons voyage to Antarctica in 1915.

Many of Hurley's superb photographs illustrating the trials endured by the expedition.

184 pp. approx 50 photos full text. Epilogue: the pieces left  afterwards.

Very Fine condition

Out-of-print and highly sought after

From early pre-colonial times to wartime to tourist destination, Cleverly pictures the moods and identities of the waterways. Profusely illustrated with detailed text. A delightful read in a most elegant design. 

Two editions

Hardback 360 pp. 100+ photos some colour, cover wrapper intact. Very Good  condition.  

Soft cover 360 pp. approx. 100 photos. some colour. pub. 2009 UNSW Press  $25.00 

choose below

A very well-written deeply researched account of several sad losses at sea from Trial 1822 to Batavia in 1629 to the horrific Sydney Hobart events of 1998.

No maudlin sentimentality: just solid very readable fact.

Soft cover, 336 pp. long index, 12 page photo section, some colour.

Good condition, but book is poorly bound and some centre pages are threatening to come loose

50 pp. soft cover good condition.

Pictorial study of relics brought up from the earliest shipwrecks around Australia

over 100 photos all colour

a compilation of absorbing essays by highly regarded authors and social commentators. Heart-warming view of Sydney Harbour through articulate eyes.

152 pp. pub 2006 soft cover Very fine condition

A concise history of the magnificent defence put up by men of the Desert Army against Romme's and the Luftwaffe's determined efforts to strangle this valuable port of entry for supplies.  Losses of shipping were horrendous but the defence held and enabled the Allies' army to drive Rommel out of Africa

It is profusely illustrated with photos of high quality by Damien Parer and Frank Hurley, supplied from the archives of the Australian War Memorial.

114 pp. over 150 photos all B&W.

New condition

The very readable history of the Campbell enterprise from 1788 to 1930

260 pp. a few photos drawings and maps

Very good condition in plastic protector

The full story of three horrific WWll experiences. The loss of HMAS Perth, the author's imprisonment by the Japanese on Burma Railway, and being shipped to Japan to work as coal miner.

Moving and well-written true history by one who experienced it all.

940 pp. some drawings including a detailed outline of HMAS Perth.

Good condition paperback some scuffing of edges.

Western Australian Shipwrecks 1851 - 1880

Well written fully researched work of history. Each vessel is teated in turn, with events leading up to, the causes and the aftermath of the wrecks

306 pp. approx 30 illustrations, drawings maps and photos taken later of exploration by divers.

Very fine condition

A massive tome, for Marine Engineer Officers, detailing every possible aspect of marine steam propulsion, including diesel. All auxiliary equipment is covered.

Published to satisfy the requirements of the Ministry of War Transport Examinations.

pub date uncertain, probably about 1935.

1860 pp. 1400 diagrams, and photos

Fair condition with sunning of pages and discolouration of binding. Contents intact.

A fascinating read for any reader with steam in his or her veins.

250 pp. paperback  octavo Good condition some browning of paper.

the image lists the stories by author

From early pre-colonial times to wartime to tourist destination, Profusely illustrated with detailed text.

240 pp. over 300 photos. some colour. pub. 1984

Fine condition

Discovery and restoration to date (Sept 2010)

A photo history with detailed text describing each stage approx 140 photos all colour exc. historic B&W

106 pp. soft cover Very Good condition

Needs no description except to say it is enthralling and very well written account of an adventurous man by air land and sea. The yacht Gypsy Moth it turns out is named for his DeHavilland aircraft.

400 pp. some photos B&W soft cover good condition but browning of paper pages.

Modern as defined in USA in 1995. "An encyclopaedic reference" "Authoritative yet Accessible" for all recreational boaters.

504 pp. Very Fine condition. Hard cover Comprehensive index Glossary of nautical terms including Mackerel Sky.

Many diagrams line drawings charts tables knots and tidal flows

soft cover 174 pp. good condition

some photos B&W drawings diagrams.

see thumbnail for precis

A practical guide to safer offshore cruising.

Many diagrams showing safe courses to be taken around certain obstacles and weather. Some photos B&W

94 pp..  Hard cover Fine condition with protective laminated cover. 

Special issue of Sea Heritage. In A4 magazine style format 50 pp.  100+ photos all colour exc. hist B&W

Published by SHF issue 103 winter 2012

A very full history of Kanangra now under restoration at Rozelle Bay.

A important and now rare historical work.  The book reeks of coal smoke. One wonders what joy there was in being a fireman on a hard-working steam tug.

100 pp. over 120 photos all B&W   pub. 2004

Fine condition

note: for the historic video "Calling Sydney Harbour" about tugs and pilots, see "DVDs and CDs"

Soft covers published 1967 96 pp. Good condition with only slight scuffing of covers

The history from beginning to end of the lifeblood of the NSW North Coast, the coastal cargo and passenger steamers.

Sometimes there were catastrophic misadventures along the treacherous rugged coastline of bars rocks and tricky river entrances.

20 photos and paintings all B&W. Index of all known vessels on the run. 

PROGRESS in  restoration to date (Sept 2012)

An updated  photo history with detailed text describing each stage approx 140 photos all colour exc. historic B&W

106 pp. soft cover Very Good condition

Described town by town the story of the steam paddle boats the history of the port, and the individual boats.

120 pp. fully illustrated many in colour.

Very good condition soft cover

The first book to show in some detail how the riverboats actually operated.

The history of the McCulloch Carrying Co. of Echuca, operators of river boats horse transport and riverside warehousing.

96 pp. approx 20 photos all B&W. Fine condition

full index (including "rabbits" !)

The true stories of famous seafaring authors and their adventures. Could be fiction but it's all real.

Absorbing and informative read.  Thrilling descriptions of life at sea especially by John Masefield, (a sailor before he was a poet).

332 pp. hard cover very good condition. photo section colour and B&W

Southern Cross and Northern Star, regular and highly popular visitors to Sydney Harbour.

A full history of building and voyages, incl. Northern Star's unhappy maiden voyage

Very good condition.  dust jacket poor

170 pp. approx 30 photos all B&W

226 pp. hard cover dust jacket very fine condition

some photos B&W

In pursuit of the perfect boat at an American shipyard

322 pp. hard cover with laminated dust cover. Very fine condition

text only; 

160 pp. Amusing and instructive. Wow your seafaring friends with terms such as 'Face like a scrubbed hammock' or 'Dutchmans breeches' or 'spewed her caulking'.

hard cover some drwgs and photos B&W

"The startling truth about one of the most fateful of all disasters of the sea."

302 pp. photo sections all B&W historic. Index Hard cover dust cover small tears in places. Binding and pages Very Fine condition

A serious hsitory of the ship from inception, design construction, many voyages and final tragedy.

A scholarly work following the advances in ship design from ancient Egypt to Drake's Golden Hind to WWII and what is to become. pub. 1957

232 pp. some colour plates, many drawings, glossary. For the historian. 

book fine condition no dents. dustcover badly torn but fully protected by clear contact plastic

A collection of photos taken on glass plate negative showing Sydney Harbour at work and at play, in its many guises.especially competitive  yachting.

\126 pp. hardback. Fine condition, some shelf scuffing

An important work of history detailing the once all-encompassing shipping up and down the NSW coast. Each port is dealt with in detail.  Many reminiscences by the men of those seas. By the author of 'The Islands of Sydney Harbour'

218 pp. over 150 photos all B&W full index

published 2001 by Waterways. soft cover

Fine condition with some scuffing of edges

The history of an important body in sailing world wide

Hard cover fine condition except for badly torn dust cover

270 pp. many photos colour and B&W 

64 pp. hardback, mainly pictorial with explanatory text.

over 100 photos some colour, some B&W historical plus diagrams of sail rigging

very good condition, some sunning of spine.

A history of large sailing ships, but most of all a pictorial and detailed text study of the great survivors .

222 pp. over 350 photos all colour exc. historic B&W. Many fine paintings pub. 2014

A very elegant publication. Very good condition

A book to dip into frequently as sea legends and some myths are laid bare.

An instructive and amusing glossary of obscure nautical terms.

96 pp. very fine condition hardback with dust cover. many illustrations maps and diagrams

A unique book dealing with the restoration of fine old  sailing ships, from Victory and Wasa to sailing dinghies.

There is also a detailed section on steam launches.

A useful book, both as a good historical read and for information on how restoration is done.

A study of preserved steamships across the world. Details such as builder engines boiler type dimensions are all given plus a potted history of each. Included are Lady Hopetoun, and Murray paddle wheelers, as well as US stern paddle wheelers, pleasure steamers, tugs, and ferries.

There is an enthralling and technically detailed chapter on Turbinia, Charles Parsons' successful steam turbine launch which caused a sensation by running rings around the Royal Navy's fastest vessels at the Spithead Review of 1897.

138 pp. published 1965 by the author. paperback. over 100 photos all B&W

Fair condition with some scuffing and signs of wear on the spine

From this renowned sailor and prolific writer a history of the many eras of sail and steam on what Europeans called the Western Ocean: that is, the North Atlantic. The Gulf Stream, the Doldrums the ice packs are described intimately in Villiers polished and readable style. Never a dull page.

208 pp hardback several photo sections, all B&W index

Fine condition dust cover some slight rubbing and sunning.

Informative and entertaining

The tale of a motley band of Australians who get work on a Norwegian Whaling Expedition to the Antarctic.

Illustrated with woodcuts by Charles Pont.

Very Fine condition in clear wrapper. Uncut pages. As new with inevitable slight browning of paper.

Interestingly, impressed into the front endpaper is "Fred N Jeffers Windsor N.Y. "

The story of the 1923-24 Norwegian whaling expedition to the Antarctic. The book is well-illustrated,  the author being an enthusiastic and competent photographer.

Inscribed "Bob Stannard 1933"

295 pp.  good condition in clear wrapper some cracking of binding inside front cover and sunning of spine.

Heavy art paper, rough trimmed.

A detailed year by year account of the sad ends suffered by so many ships. All is here; the dates the circumstances the aftermath. 

C5 size 198 pp.  approx 50 photos all B&W some drawings some maps

A valuable history and absorbing read.