During the late nineteenth century, the Atlantic liners underwent a tremendous transformation. Previously only an unpleasant, uncomfortable and slow means of crossing a frequently vicious ocean, they suddenly became symbols of luxury, power, and strength. Each one, in turn, became legend. Some attained this mythic status for their distinct record of service during both peace and war; others are remembered for their catastrophic and ignominious fates. Their stories – their histories – are insightful, fascinating, and inextricably intertwined with the history of the world throughout the first half of the twentieth century.
COMING SOON: Lusitania: An Illustrated Biography (2010)
Ninety-five years after her sinking, this hardcover commemorative volume will celebrate the life of the Lusitania, and commemorate her loss. The forthcoming release will completely replace the author's 2007 book Lusitania: An Illustrated Biography of the Ship of Splendor in a brand new hardcover format. Featuring a greatly increased text, new rare and previously unpublished photographs, general arrangement plans, and stunning color artwork by Tom Lear, this book will reveal the legendary liner as you have never seen her before.
This web site has been designed to be an interactive and informative supplement to the author's two books, Lusitania: An Illustrated Biography (forthcoming all-new release for 2010 from Amberley Books), and Atlantic Liners: A Trio of Trios (2009). The site contains material not in the volumes, and vice versa.
The wait is over...
Atlantic Liners: A Trio of Trios
~ New release
Atlantic Liners: A Trio of Trios has been released in an all-new 1st Edition, which stands apart and distinct from the original format publication printed in 2005 and 2006 under that title. The hardcover version (which does not have an ISBN number, and is available only through the author and the publisher) is now available.There will be no softcover version of this release. The new publication is 8.5" x 11", 434 pages in length (including front and end matter), has over 730 photographs (many never previously published), and 11 general arrangement plans. Click here for further details.
This book commemorates the histories of these great ships, and to study how their careers were so inextricably intertwined. The book specifically focuses on the history of nine ships: The Cunard Line’s Lusitania, Mauretania and Aquitania; White Star’s Olympic, Titanic and Britannic; and Hamburg-Amerika’s Imperator, Vaterland and Bismarck, ships that served after the war as the Berengaria, Leviathan and Majestic, respectively. It is packed with details about the liners, their careers, and their specifications. It also contains many rare and previously unpublished photographs and illustrations of them, including their full general arrangement plans.
The Titanic chapter contains some of the freshest and most astounding research on the liner's life and death that has ever been put in one publication; old myths have been laid to rest, and new controversies that have cropped up during the last five years or so have been tackled head-on. No Titanic enthusiast or researcher should go without a copy of this publication.
Response to the 2005 release was overhwlemingly enthusiastic, despite its limited availability. This new 2009 1st Edition is packed with information, first-hand accounts, groundbreaking research, and rare or never-before-published images. This book truly stands out as a unique volume, separate from all others which discuss the great liners of old... find out why by reserving your copy today.
This site is meant to accompany the author's books and further the ever-expanding realm of online research into the Atlantic liners; it is the “home port” for the beginning of your journey into some of the most memorable ships in history. Here you can find all of the latest updates and research on the vessels, as well as technical specifications and additional information. There are also many photographs and digital illustrations of the liners that could not be included in the finished volume. On the Links page there are many other web pages and sites listed that can help you to continue your journey of research and discovery. In the Books page, you will find a comprehensive listing of some of the best publications available on the Atlantic liners, which have been given the "Blue Riband Book Award."
Six Years and Getting Stronger...
This site was formally launched on March 28, 2004. In the intervening six years, "Atlantic Liners" has accumulated over 1.27 million hits, and traffic to this site continues to increase. On any given day, there are between 800 and 1,500 page loads by an average of 200-300 "passengers."
Contributing / Materials Use
Since this site was first launched, many have contributed material - either information or photographic and illustrative - to its pages, and to the pages of both Atlantic Liners and Lusitania: An Illustrated Biography. To these contributors go my sincere thanks. If you have material on these liners that you would like to share – either information or photographs and illustrations, then please feel free to contact Mr. Layton. All photographic and illustrative material supplied by contributors is credited to their collections unless otherwise specified.
On the other hand, if you are interested in aquiring material in Mr. Layton's collection to use in your own project, please feel free to contact the author directly on the matter, via the contact page links.
The author's 2007 book, Lusitania: An Illustrated Biography of the Ship of Splendor was a unique look at the history of the Cunard liner Lusitania. The 2007 book (in both hardcover and softcover formats) is about to be discontinued in favor of an all-new publication, Lusitania: An Illustrated Biography, coming this summer from Amberley Books. While many of the features and information most appreciated by readers has been retained from the earlier volume, the new book promises to be an incredible treasure-trove of information and photographs of the great liner and the people who took passage aboard her during her career.
As in the 2007 book, the focus is on the ship's career and technical features. However, a great deal of information on the events of the wartime months, as well as on her sinking, has also been included. Many old myths and mysteries have been cleared up, and many previously unpublished photographs have been included -- including a large number from her final round-trip voyage. The age old question of whether or not the ship's name was painted out has finally been answered.
The special Survivor's Note by Barbara McDermott has been retained, as has the notable introduction from the 2007 volume by Lusitania researchers Mike Poirier and Jim Kalafus. Also included is a full set of appendices that include the dates of all of the ship's 202 crossings, a full set of who had command of the ship during her career (and the dates of their tenure), and much, much more. This is a book that anyone with even a passing interest in the Lusitania will want. For further details about the new book Lusitania: An Illustrated Biogrpahy, as well as ordering information, please click here.
Recently, Kent put together a lengthy article on the possibility that the Titanic was going to be brought into New York Harbor on the night of Tuesday, April 16, 1912, rather than on Wednesday morning, as had originally been scheduled. This is a relatively controversial topic, and this article, entitled, "The Arrival That Never Took Place…" studies the evidence in a clear, objective manner. No article like this has, to this author’s knowledge, ever found its way to print before. The Titanic International Society recently picked the article up and published it in a fully illustrated edition, spanning two of their quarterly issues (Nos. 54 and 55). You can contact the TIS directly to request a copy of either or both of these issues.
Meanwhile, preliminary work is also proceeding to bring to this website the stories of a number of other ocean liners, including the Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth 2, Queen Mary 2, Normandie and France/Norway. These pages will be slowly brought on line and expanded as research on them continues.
There are many good sites about the old Atlantic liners, but the information contained within the pages of this site is certainly unique. Make sure to stay tuned for further updates and news through the News Page. It is sincerely hoped that you will enjoy your time spent here, and that you will also be enriched in your knowledge of these great ships. Welcome aboard.
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* Orders from outside the U.S. will be cancelled or subject to additional charges for shipping.
For international orders (outside U.S.) please use our virtual partner, TMB Studios, the links for which are available directly above.
Standard Hardcover
($49.99 US + $6.80 s/h = $56.79)
(Available for order, ships in 10-15 business days)
Signed & Numbered Hardcover
($59.99 US + $6.80 s/h = $66.79)
Please note: The special-edition hardcover is not offered in stores. It will be available only through this site (via TMB Studios) and directly from the publisher. The author may also periodically place copies for sale on eBay.
