Scottish shipbuilding story continues
Leith-Built Ships Volume 2, by R.O. Neish
Like its predecessor – reviewed in the Telegraph in May 2020 – Leith-Built Ships Volume 2 tells the story of Edinburgh's once-proud shipyards and the vessels constructed there.
This time, the narrative moves on to the interwar years of 1918-1939, when the challenges of the Great Depression saw some of the shipbuilding companies having to amalgamate to stay alive, but substantial merchant vessels were still being built.
Some of these ships lasted until the mid-to-late 20th century, meaning that there are people alive today who served on them in their youth, and the book has some interesting quotes from former seafarers about their experiences onboard.
Author R.O. Neish is also able to share his own experiences of working in the Leith shipyards, which will surely come more into play in the upcoming volumes 3 and 4. But this is not just a memoir or collection of anecdotes; it is also a well-researched history generously illustrated with photographs and diagrams throughout, and includes a useful glossary of shipbuilding and nautical terms. We look forward to the next instalments.
Leith-Built Ships Volume 2: Leith Shipyards 1918-1939
By R.O. Neish
Whittles Publishing, £16.99
ISBN: 978 18499 54815
Buy this book in the Nautilus Bookshop
While you're there, why not browse the rest of the titles in our unique maritime bookshop, which sells all the books reviewed on these pages.
Buy nowMore Books
Eclectic thoughts from a familiar writer
Short Story, Verse, Commentary, by Colin H ColesKnown for his nautical novels under the pen name Sam Grant, author Colin Coles has branched out into other literary forms in his own name.
Navigating sailors towards new ideas
Ultimate Sailing Adventures, by Miles KendallThe book contains all kinds of sailing ideas for those who like to live on the edge. A fine selection of full-colour photographs make the work a nice addition to your coffee table, and will perhaps spark off some epic journeys.
The launches that give our vessels life
A History of Ship Launches and their Ceremonies, by George Hodgkinson'The form varies from one country to another, according to custom and religion, but the sentiment that lies behind all launching rituals is fear', writes author George Hodgkinson, in a readable book that shows ship launches are about much more than just smashing a bottle of wine.
Two new takes on the Arctic Convoys
Arctic Convoys, by David Kenyon, and Allied Convoys to Northern Russia 1941–1945, by William SmithIt took Merchant Navy campaigners decades to win UK government recognition for the seafarers who had taken part in the gruelling Arctic Convoys during the Second World War. Interest in the convoys is now high, with two new books released in recent months.