Subject
Merchant marine -- United States Books
Best books
John Randolph Spears
The Story of the American Merchant Marine
"The Story of the American Merchant Marine" by John Randolph Spears is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book provides a detailed exploration of the development and evolution of the American Merchant Marine, focusing on its origins, key figures, and significant events that shaped its history. It is likely to appeal to readers interested in maritime history and the economic impacts of shipping and trade in early America. At the start of the book, the author introduces the foundation of the American Merchant Marine by detailing the construction of the "Virginia", the first American vessel built for commercial use, in 1607. This chapter sets the stage by evoking the challenges and dangers faced by early fishermen and traders venturing into uncharted waters, while also highlighting the resilience and fortitude of the men who toiled in harsh conditions. Spears outlines the interplay of adventure, economic opportunity, and the pioneering spirit that defined the early years of American maritime enterprise, laying the groundwork for the growth of an influential merchant marine.
Felix Riesenberg
The Men on Deck: Master, Mates and Crew, Their Duties and Responsibilities
"The Men on Deck: Master, Mates and Crew, Their Duties and Responsibilities" by Felix Riesenberg is a manual for the American Merchant Service, likely written in the early 20th century. This informative work aims to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the various members of a ship's deck department, transitioning from the age of sail to the era of steam and steel. The book outlines the expectations and duties of seafarers, particularly focusing on the captain and his crew, thereby addressing the complexities of modern maritime operations. The opening of the book provides a comprehensive overview of the significant transitions within maritime practices, emphasizing the shift from traditional sailing vessels to steam-powered ships. It discusses the intricacies and responsibilities of the Master Mariner, who bears ultimate accountability for navigation, cargo safety, crew management, and adherence to maritime law. Riesenberg underscores the importance of proper training and knowledge within both the captain and crew, stressing that clarity in responsibilities is essential to maintaining order and discipline at sea in an increasingly complex environment. This introduction sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the maritime duties expected of various crew members, which continues throughout the manual.
Frederic Stanhope Hill
Twenty years at sea: Leaves from my old log-books
"Twenty Years at Sea: Leaves from My Old Log-Books" by Frederic Stanhope Hill is a memoir written in the late 19th century. This account chronicles the author’s experiences as a sailor over two decades, providing a vivid portrayal of life aboard ships during the mid-19th century, including both the merchant navy and naval service. The memoir details various adventures and challenges encountered at sea, offering readers a glimpse into the hardships and camaraderie among sailors. At the start of the memoir, Hill reflects on his early fascination with the sea, spurred by tales of old sailors and his own reading. He recounts his decision to embark on a maritime career and his subsequent first voyage aboard the ship Bombay. The opening segments vividly depict the hustle and bustle of 1842 Brooklyn and Hill's preparations for departure, including purchasing his sea gear and emotional farewells to family. The account sets the stage for his adventures, marked by a mixture of excitement and trepidation as he grapples with the realities of a sailor's life, including seasickness and harsh conditions, highlighting both the challenges and the romantic allure of life at sea.
John Codman
Free Ships: The Restoration of the American Carrying Trade
"Free Ships: The Restoration of the American Carrying Trade" by John Codman is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work addresses the decline of the American carrying trade and critiques the restrictive navigation laws that Codman argues hindered the growth of American shipbuilding and ownership. The author offers a detailed examination of the political and economic factors that contributed to this decline and advocates for the repeal of these laws in favor of a more open and competitive market. In this book, Codman passionately argues that the protectionist policies established to support American shipbuilders have ultimately led to the detriment of the American maritime commerce. He illustrates how these laws not only failed to achieve their intended purpose but also forced American shipowners to rely on foreign vessels for trade. Codman provides a comprehensive analysis of the failures of previous government investigations into American commerce and blames both negligence and manipulation by shipbuilders for the loss of American shipping dominance. Through rigorous examples and historical references, he makes a compelling case for transitioning to a model that embraces free trade to revitalize the decimated American carrying trade.
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