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

Mr. Braynard is a long-time author about ships and the sea. Mr. Braynard has done a great job defining the designer of the SS United States - William Francis Gibbs. He talks about the work of the Gibbs brothers from the days in the 1910's to the 1950's when the SS United States was constructed at the largest privately owned shipyard in the world - Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company. Unlike previous ship launchings, SS United States was built in a drydock and floated out of the drydock at the launching. Because of the SS United States glamorous presence with her rounded front superstructure, her low and sleek looking upper decks and her massive funnels which were raked to look fast. the United States had an aura that attracted celebrities to travel to and from Europe. Mr. Braynard has a writing style that makes the ship and her crew come alive. I have read many of Mr. Braynard's books over the last 50 years and I have some of his books in my personal library including this book.

I was a USAF weather observer stationed in England when the "United Sates" made it's maiden voyage across the Atlantic. We, of course, received weather reports from all the ships at sea and plotted thier name and weather report at lattitude and longitude onto our maps,to be able to track storm systems long before they reached Europe. One could follow the dwadling progross of the various ships as they made their way to their destinations.However, the "United States" progress was a completely different and amazing thing. We couldn't believe that a ship could cross the Atlantic so fast! A source of American Pride, indeed!Reading this book of the trials and tribulations of the architect is fascinating story - a bit slow a times, but is well worth the time and money to read about just how the greatest American ship came about.

Recognized as The Definitive book on the SS United States or the Big U as she is known to all in her home town. I have spoken with Mr Braynard in the past as well as Mr. John Graham about the special lady and the wonderful treatment that Braynard did on the book. Mr. Gibbs was most pleased with Braynerd's efforts and her last Commodore, Commodore Alexanderson, told me that he considers it the best ever written about the Big U as it reveals her soul. No other book on the subject has captured that. Alas the Commodore has passed on but I imagine him on the bridge of his" favorite command in my career", She still has her "voices" ( ghost ) as all the great liners do and I am sure he has returned to his command. The book really places you onboard. It is the best, and I have every work ever written about the Big U.

The book contains a lot of information on the construction, the history and the passengers that sailed aboard her. Also you find about the man (William Francis Gibbs)that designed and revolutionized the ocean going passenger ships. The book also tells why there are no US flagged cruise ships in service today.

Excellent

Frank Braynard was a brilliant, charming and chatty ocean liner historian that actually lived the history and it shows in this richly cogent history of what was once highest in style and technology. It's like listening to a favorite uncle tell tales about your favorite subject. His words really take you there, so to speak.

I visited this ship in Bremerhaven in 1961 while sailing for American Export. Some of my classmates from the Merchant Marine Academy were engineers aboard. The book brought back many memories. I last saw the ship 9 years ago in Philadelphia. The faded paint and rust brought tears to my eyes.

Great read lots of unknown information to me. After reading I went and made a donation to The S/S United States Conservatory. This ship must be saved. There will never be an opportunity like this again. Read this book and see what your missing. Couldn't put it down!

A great review of the most famous liner ever built in the US. She was retired in 1967 but is still with us, laid up in Philadelphia. People are trying to restore her.

Libro editado en ingles,muy ameno de leer y con un .relato brillante de su historia .Se echa muy en falta la escasez fotografica y la nula aportacion de algun plano de este buque

A very good inside view into the making of " the great ship" . One thought , though : why so few images?Well worth thé price , in any case . One question lingers on , though , why such à long wait ?