ANNOUNCING !!

    The Story of the SS AMERICA

     This is the story of the SS AMERICA, America's symbolic Ship of State. Launched in 1939, she was a liner in the grand tradition. An unmistakably American ship, she was fast, comfortable, and modern in design and decor, yet opulent and luxurious - a bravura display of originality, talent, and imagination by her architects, builders and designers. The America's magnificent style, her grand salons, the unique detailing in every space and room signaled our nation's emergence as a great maritime power. Know as the Queen of the American Merchant Marine, she was launched by first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt.

   This auspicious beginning was immediately overshadowed by world events. The day after the America was launched, Nazi Germany invaded Poland and engulfed the world in war. The new ship was converted to the troopship USS West Point. Her speed was her valuable asset and she spent the war years delivering thousands of troops around the globe.

   With the coming of peace, she returned to the North Atlantic trade for which she was built. There, she flourished for nearly two decades. Her later around-the-world voyages as the SS Australis added to her legend, bringing her the undying affection of thousands of passengers and immigrants.

   Larry Driscoll tells her story in loving detail. First bringing the reader into the shipyard to see how a great ship is built and fitted out, he then takes us "on board" to experience her voyages in the North Atlantic and around the world; then, finally, to her resting place on the bleak shores of the Canary Islands. With more than 140 outstanding photographs, this hard cover, 256-page book will be enjoyed by those who sailed aboard her - or those who wish they had.         

    What they are saying--- "This book will be a joy to those who sailed aboard her - and those who wished they had."(Sea Classics) - "Well done mate! I found the book very easy reading and incredibly informing." (Former Australis passenger) - "A fascinating and even poignant story told with verve." (Bob Koch WXXI FM radio) - "From the moving encounter of her launch, through the details of the interior, her art work, to her exciting yet mournful end this book is a great read". (A reader from New York)
  

BEST PRICE IS AT    return to main page

S. S. America - U. S. S. West Point - S. S. Australis: The Many Lives of a Great Ship   Also available at Barnes & Noble
S. S. America - U. S. S. West Point - S. S. Australis: The Many Lives of a Great Ship