| Manufacturer | Greenwood Press |
Taking the subject of much lore as the topic of his book, Dunbaugh has written a carefully researched, comprehensive history of the overnight steamboat on Long Island Sound. In the nineteenth century, these steamboats provided the major means of transportation from New York to ports in southern New England or from Boston north to ports on the coast of Maine.
Earlier accounts have either focused on the lore or been heavy with statistical data. Dunbaugh here provides a readable narrative history based on solid research. The book's approach is chronological, discussing the early steamboat era, 1815-1835, in the first chapter and the feeder lines developing with the advent of the railroad in chapter 2.
Chapter 3 covers the Vanderbilt era of the 1840s, while the next chapter turns to the Great Fall River Line, 1847-1854. Chapter 5 discusses the years from 1854 to 1861, a period of stability, and chapter 6 covers the Civil War years. Chapters on the era of Fisk and Gould and the Depression and Recovery of 1873-1880 follow.
The final chapter covers the last decade of the independent lines and of the century. This volume will be of interest to historians specializing in the history of technology, business, or economic history--as well as to those interested in the history of steamboat transportation. Review: ?Beginning early in 1815, the first steamboat service between New York and New Haven ushered in a transportation revolution that would reach all New England ports from Connecticut to Maine and the Maritimes beyond.
During the 19th century, numerous independent overnight lines competed with each other. Some disappeared; others survived. Tales of behind-the-scenes maneuvers and cutthroat competition appear in these pages. The linkage between steamers and connecting railroads is explained. In chronological order, ten chapters recount the story of both the Long Island Sound steamers and those operating along the Maine coast.
The narrative ends as these independent lines become part of the Eastern and New England steamship companies, the two dominant lines of the 20th century. Dunbaugh's previous work, Era of the Joy Line (1982) treats this topic into the pre-WW I era. A wealth of detail, especially on the operations of the steamers themselves, on disasters, and on the evolution of service to each port, recommends this book to everyone with an interest in New England history.
It certainly will take its place as an essential reference work on the overnight steamer services along the New England coast.?-Choice
Related ProductsLoading similar products...
Stay informed about the best deals and price drops. Choose which notifications you'd like to receive from PriceCheck.
