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Frank O. Braynard
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The Big Ship: The Story of the S.S. United States Paperback – Illustrated, July 5, 2011

by Frank O. Braynard (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 97 ratings
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The S.S. United States book is the first comprehensive work on the vessel in decades. This volume includes many rarely seen photographs from the liner's golden years to her forlorn and lonely twilight years. Follow Frank Braynard, the nation's leading maritime historian, and Robert Hudson Westover as they chronicle the life of the S.S. United States. The United States, which still holds the West-bound speed record on the North Atlantic, is the greatest ocean liner this country has ever built, and this book stands as a fitting tribute and celebration of her maiden voyage.The Big Ship: The Story of the S.S. United States is the fascinating behind-the scenes story of one of the fastest ships in the world and one of the most luxurious passenger liners to cross the Atlantic. With new introductory material by the SS United States Conservancy, this classic volume includes photographs of celebrity passengers and of the majestic liner from her golden years, when she spurred the rebirth of America’s maritime glory, to her twilight years. Follow Frank Braynard, one of the great American maritime historians, as he chronicles the life of the S.S. United States, the incredible feat of engineering that still holds the westbound speed record on the North Atlantic. This book stands as a tribute of her maiden voyage, a celebration of her recent rescue efforts by the Conservancy, and an inspiration for future generations to restore the legacy of the greatest ocean liner this country has ever built.
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  1. Print length
    304 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Turner
  4. Publication date
    July 5, 2011
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 1 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1596527641
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1596527645
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Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The story of the superliner United States is a remarkable epoch. She was a superb wonder ship in many ways; the supreme achievement of American maritime genius. She was a success beyond the most sanguine expectations of her designer and builders.
The Big Ship: The Story of the S.S. United States is the fascinating behind-the scenes story of one of the fastest ships in the world and one of the most luxurious passenger liners to cross the Atlantic. With new introductory material by the SS United States Conservancy, this classic volume includes photographs of celebrity passengers and of the majestic liner from her golden years, when she spurred the rebirth of Americas maritime glory, to her twilight years. Follow Frank Braynard, one of the great American maritime historians, as he chronicles the life of the S.S. United States, the incredible feat of engineering that still holds the westbound speed record on the North Atlantic. This book stands as a tribute of her maiden voyage, a celebration of her recent rescue efforts by the Conservancy, and an inspiration for future generations to restore the legacy of the greatest ocean liner this country has ever built.

About the Author

Frank O. Braynard (1916-2007), maritime author and artist, was a reporter for the New York Herald Tribune. A graduate of Duke University, Braynard held a post at the American Merchant Marine Institute and served as president of the Steamship Historical Society of America, curator of the American Merchant Marine Museum, and director of New York’s South Street Seaport Museum. 

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Turner (July 5, 2011)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1596527641
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1596527645
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.2 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 97 ratings

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Frank O. Braynard

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
97 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers appreciate the book's detailed account of the historic ship and its thorough history. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its readability, with one customer noting it's well worth the time and money to read. Additionally, customers praise the book's pacing, with one describing it as a majestic liner from its golden years. The author's style is also well-received, with one customer noting it's written by a premiere maritime writer.

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16 customers mention "History"16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the detailed account of the historic ship, with one customer highlighting the thorough research on its construction.

"...great book cointains the classic Frank O. Braynard text with new introductory material by the SS United States Conservancy and includes new..." Read more

"...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..." Read more

"This book focuses on the history of the SS United States. Interesting documentation for fans of the "Big U", but only a few black and white photos,..." Read more

"...The book really places you onboard. It is the best, and I have every work ever written about the Big U." Read more

11 customers mention "Pacing"8 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, describing it as beautiful and majestic, with one customer noting it's a must-read for ocean liner enthusiasts.

"...new photographs of celebrity passengers and of the majestic liner from her golden years...." Read more

"Great book about a great ship. Very informative well written." Read more

"...Because of the SS United States glamorous presence with her rounded front superstructure, her low and sleek looking upper decks and her massive..." Read more

"...fastest passenger ship to cross the Alantic Ocean and it was never at it's top speed. One of five books I have on the ship." Read more

11 customers mention "Readability"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable to read, with one customer noting it is well written and another describing it as a must-read for ship enthusiasts.

"Here's one of the definitive works about the finest ship ever built in the United States of America...." Read more

"..."United States" progress was a completely different and amazing thing. We couldn't believe that a ship could cross the Atlantic so fast!..." Read more

"Great book about a great ship. Very informative well written." Read more

"...Mr. Gibbs was most pleased with Braynerd's efforts and her last Commodore, Commodore Alexanderson, told me that he considers it the best ever..." Read more

3 customers mention "Author style"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's style, with one noting they are a premiere maritime writer, while another describes them as a classic ocean liner author.

"Frank Braynard was a brilliant, charming and chatty ocean liner historian that actually lived the history and it shows in this richly cogent history..." Read more

"A revised and updated edition of one of the classic ocean liner books written by one of the all time great maritime historians...." Read more

"Thoroughly researched book written by a premiere maritime writer...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • M.A.G.
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a MUST-READ for ship lovers.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    Here's one of the definitive works about the finest ship ever built in the United States of America. This great book cointains the classic Frank O. Braynard text with new introductory material by the SS United States Conservancy and includes new photographs of celebrity passengers and of the majestic liner from her golden years. The original book published in the 80's is difficult and expensive to find in the second hand market. Now we have again the opportunity to acquire this little gem for our library.

    A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book will go to the SS United States Conservancy to support its efforts to preserve and restore the SS UNITED STATES. Noell Braynard Hollander, daughter of Frank generously offered royalties from the sale of this book to the Conservancy.

    On July 1, 2010, the Conservancy announced that it had received a $5.8 million pledge from philanthropist Gerry Lenfest, enough money to purchase the ship and maintain her at her current berth while funds are raised for her redevelopment but still awaits an uncertain future because the money is running out rapidly due to her high maintenance cost. On July 3rd. 2012 the SS United States will celebrate her 60th. anniversary. Please, help us to preserve, protect and defend this masterpiece for future generations. [...]
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Davd
    5.0 out of 5 stars Detailed account of the historic ship
    Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Need to spend more time to give a complete review. The ship won the blue ribbon for the fastest passenger ship to cross the Alantic Ocean and it was never at it's top speed. One of five books I have on the ship.
    Helpful
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  • Bill McConnell
    4.0 out of 5 stars Glory of bygone days
    Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    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.
    One person found this helpful
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  • DG
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough History of this Iconic Ship- very few photos
    Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book focuses on the history of the SS United States. Interesting documentation for fans of the "Big U", but only a few black and white photos, mostly celebrities.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Angelo Giganti
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly researched book written by a premiere maritime writer.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Very well written. I wish we could save the SS United States. She’s a symbol of American Greatness. Sadly, Trump is not really about making America Great. He’s going to stand by and let her be sunk. He should intervene!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Thomas
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Great book about a great ship. Very informative well written.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Justin Taylor
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nice book.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    As I write this review, the poor old s/s UNITED STATES is most likely going to be sunk off the Florida coast to become an artificial reef. I'm really sad that the attempt to turn her into a hotel and museum, like the QUEEN MARY, have failed.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Bob Battaglia
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good read on a historic vessel
    Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A detailed account on this hostoric vessel
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • jeanpierreburel
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good. Nô! Very good!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 30, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    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 ?
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended dealer
    Reviewed in Canada on June 14, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Good price, delivery on time and no hassles with transaction. Recommended dealer
    Customer image
    Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Recommended dealer

    Reviewed in Canada on June 14, 2024
    Good price, delivery on time and no hassles with transaction. Recommended dealer
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  • Virucha
    5.0 out of 5 stars Una completa historia de este gran buque
    Reviewed in Spain on February 6, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    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
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  • John
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great review of the most famous liner ever built in ...
    Reviewed in Canada on April 26, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    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.
    Report