Rms Queen Elizabeth

The illustrated history of the most famous ocean liner afloat today.

Marking the 75th anniversary since the launch of RMS Queen Elizabeth, this new, colorful history of the famous liner offers unique behind-the-scene views, aerial shots, and much more This history follows the RMS Queen Elizabeth, the second of two liners Cunard built for transatlantic service along with her running mate Queen Mary. She was launched in September 1938, the largest passenger liner built at the time and for many years after. Entering service as a troopship in World War II, she had a successful career before retiring in 1968 after which she was sold to a Hong Kong businessman with plans to convert her into a floating university. But it was not to be and she was capsized in a mysterious fire in the harbor in 1972, a bizarre end for an elegant liner. Andrew Britton presents a wealth of unpublished photographic material and ephemera, even including the original purchase receipt, to tell the story of this historic liner. This evocative book offers a treat for all ocean liner fans.

The story of the Queen Elizabeth, Cunard's beautiful queen of the Atlantic

This colourful history tells the story of Cunard’s RMS Queen Mary, who along with her running mate Queen Elizabeth covered the transatlantic route from Southampton to New York via Cherbourg, the British answer to the German and French superliners. She was launched in May 1936 and immediately won the coveted Blue Riband, winning it again in 1938, before she served as a troopship in the war. She then carried on plying the Atlantic route with Queen Elizabeth until the jet age changed the world again and she was retired, now preserved as a floating museum and restaurant in Long Beach, California. Andrew Britton presents a wealth of unpublished photographic material and ephemera from his unparalleled collection to tell the story of this historic liner, including rare wartime views, shots of her ‘grey ghost’ paintwork, unique behind the scenes photographs, from the air shots, interior views and a wide selection of menus, log books, timetables, tickets and much more besides. Even including captain’s invitations, this superlative book offers a captivating trip through the history of this great liner.

There has been no more beloved liner than the Queen Elizabeth 2. The last liner to be built on British soil, she was constructed by John Brown & Co., Clydebank (Scotland) and her keel was laid on July 5, 1965, marking the start of her illustrious career. Her maiden voyage left Southampton on May 2, 1969, bound for New York, and she has remained in service for the past 40 years. She had a spell as a military ship from 1982, when she was requisitioned to serve as a troop carrier during the Falklands War, and during her military career QE2 successfully sailed more than 14,900 miles. Post-war, she has had many refits, including a headline-grabbing total refurbishment in 1994 to turn her into a 21st-century luxury liner. In November 2008, QE2 retired to a new life in Dubai World, where she began her conversion to a floating hotel, and the last chapter of her exceptional life in service will close.