The Big Ship: The Story of the S.S. United States, Hardcover

The S.S. United States book is the first comprehensive work on the vessel in decades. This volume includes many rarely seen photographs from the liner's golden years to her forlorn and lonely twilight years. Follow Frank Braynard, the nation's leading maritime historian, and Robert Hudson Westover as they chronicle the life of the S.S. United States. The United States, which still holds the West-bound speed record on the North Atlantic, is the greatest ocean liner this country has ever built, and this book stands as a fitting tribute and celebration of her maiden voyage.The Big Ship: The Story of the S.S. United States is the fascinating behind-the scenes story of one of the fastest ships in the world and one of the most luxurious passenger liners to cross the Atlantic. With new introductory material by the SS United States Conservancy, this classic volume includes photographs of celebrity passengers and of the majestic liner from her golden years, when she spurred the rebirth of America's maritime glory, to her twilight years. Follow Frank Braynard, one of the great American maritime historians, as he chronicles the life of the S.S. United States, the incredible feat of engineering that still holds the westbound speed record on the North Atlantic. This book stands as a tribute of her maiden voyage, a celebration of her recent rescue efforts by the Conservancy, and an inspiration for future generations to restore the legacy of the greatest ocean liner this country has ever built.

Frank O. Braynard (1916-2007) was a maritime reporter for the New York Herald Tribune, curator of the American Merchant Marine Museum, and director of New York's South Street Seaport Museum. He organized the first "Operation Sail" in 1964 and OpSail '76 for America's 200th birthday celebration. A graduate of Duke University and recipient of several prestigious maritime awards, Braynard also held a post at the American Merchant Marine Institute, served as president of the Steamship Historical Society of America, and was an honorary member of the Council of American Master Mariners.