The Passage Makers

Over a century has passed since the fame and glory of the Liverpool Black Ball Line became subjects of legend while it still existed. Even in that era of restricted communications, its name was a household word, and a fair claim can be made that it was, perhaps, the most famous shipping company of all time, while it was undeniable that the names of its finest ships are writ large in Maritime History.

Over the years, the story of both the man and the ships has become fragmented and, often enough, legend has turned into myth, whilst forming some tenuous inspiration for the popular television series The Onedin Line. Separating fact from fable, the author, after indefatigable research, has produced the first book ever devoted to the whole, fascinating history of the Line, incorporating its entire fleet (which was far bigger than is popularly supposed): setting Baines himself in the perspective of his partners and, inter alia, relating the story and conditions of the Australasian emigration business.

Here is the whole sweep of this great Company's operation: the Liverpool background: the shipbuilding in Canada, the U.S.A, and Great Britain, each of which provided its vessels. We are led easily into the economics of Victorian shipowning and especially of the Black Ball Line: the Australian gold rush on which its fortunes were founded: the rival clipper lines: trooping under sail to the Crimea and the Indian Mutiny; the later emigrant trade to Australia and to Queensland in particular. with all its attendant problems, and the reasons for the Companies final demise.

Hardback with unclipped dustcover over original deep green and gilt boards, with gilt lettering to spine. Illustrated endpapers.With an Introduction by Ross Osmond. xx plus 508 pages text, with maps, diagrams, colour and monochrome illustrations. Very Good.