MAURETANIA
By liumfrey Jordan Mauretania (Hodder and Stoughton, 10s. 6d.) is the definitive biography of the most popular ship which has ever crossed the Atlantic. Mr. Jordan tells her story in detail, and relates it to the general background of history during the twenty-five years of her eventful life. He has had the co-operation of the Cunard-White Star company, who put all the records at his disposal—including the log-books of all her trips—and of many who have served and sailed in her. He has used his material really well, and those who knew her, as well as those who never had the privilege, will be glad to have this record of a great personality. For ten years before she was laid down German liners had dominated the North Atlantic route. British companies were being absorbed by Pierpont Morgan's Trust. In 1903 the directors of the Cunard company decided that the only chance of preserving their independence and re-establishing British prestige was to construct two 30,000 torusers capable of a speed of 25-26 knots. The Government was persuaded to grant a loan, and in 1907 the sister ships, ' Mauretania ' and `Lusitania; were launched. Theirs was a great respon- sibility. From the first the ' Mauretania ' took the lead. In a few years the Cunard company was saved, and for the ten years that the ' Mauretania held the Blue Riband she was easily the most famous ship afloat, and a national heroine. Mr. Jordan's book is worthy of its subject.
Previous page
