| Peter Newall has written definitive books on the Union-Castle Line and the Orient Line. To these standard works he has now added, probably, his most accessible book, this time on a single liner, the Mauretania. His approach to the subject is a novel one, for his book is divided into two parts. The first is a very readable and comprehensive history of the liner, which is enhanced by the inclusion of a election of fantastic mono photographs of the ship during her building, at every stage of her career and in her every mood. This section also includes an impressive four-page fold-out cut-away plan of the whole ship. There is a reason why there are plenty of internal shots, for these lead on to Part Two of the book. In May 1935 Cunard organised an auction of large areas of Mauretania's public rooms. Fabulous fixtures and fitting were sold off, including fine panelling, paintings, ornate columns and the famous glass dome from the first-class library. Many of the principal pieces that were sold off are to be found today all around Britain in private residences; pubs; museums, including the London Science Museum; and even the famous Pinewood Film Studios. Peter has tracked down a great many of these items and he features them in full colour in his book. This fascinating aspect of the liner's story makes this a book that captures, and holds, the interest of even non-liner enthusiasts. Contents
- Introduction
- Sources
- Part 1 – Triumph
- Maretania’s Career
- Harold Peto and the search for Mauretania’s Interior Designer
- Passenger Accommodation
- The great auction of 1935
- Final Voyage and Demolition
- Part 2 – Resurrection
- The Mauretania Syndicate
- Walter Martin and the Royal Hotel, Guernsey
- The Boat House, Poole
- The Mauretania, Bristol
- Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath
- The Oast House, Hildenborough
- The New Church, Kensington
- The White House, Poole
- Southampton Girls’ Grammar School
- Marquis of Granby, Bamford
- Nont Sarah’s Inn, Scammonden
- Other items from Mauretania
- Mauretania Heritage Trail
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