Bath Iron Works (ME) (Images of America) [Paperback]

Andrew C. Toppan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2, 2002

Bath Iron Works was established by Gen. Thomas Hyde in 1884 and launched its first ship in 1891. Since then, the shipyard on the Kennebec River has built dozens of luxurious yachts, hardworking freighters, tugs, trawlers, lightships, and more than two hundred twenty warships for the U.S. Navy. Today, Bath Iron Works continues a shipbuilding tradition that began nearly four hundred years ago when the first ship built in America was constructed just a few miles downriver from Bath. Bath Iron Works showcases a unique collection of photographs that provides a rare view inside one of the nation's great shipyards. The book shows the yard's origins in a few simple buildings, its expansion into a modern shipbuilding facility, and its rapid growth into an industrial powerhouse during World War II. During these years, Bath Iron Works produced famous ships such as the America's Cup defender Ranger, the yachts Aras and Hi-Esmaro, the record-setting destroyer USS Lamson, and fully one fourth of all destroyers built for the U.S. Navy during World War II. Bath Iron Works gives an insiderís view of these great vessels and many others, as skilled craftspeople turn raw materials into complex ships, each uniquely suited to its purpose. This collection of shipbuilding photographs brings to life the proud history of Bath Iron Works.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Andrew C. Toppan is an engineer at Bath Iron Works and a historian. He has worked with the U.S. Naval Shipbuilding Museum and runs the major naval history Web site, Haze Gray & Underway.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (September 2, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738510599
• ISBN-13: 978-0738510590
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #742,045 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Review by an Employee, December 7, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Bath Iron Works (ME) (Images of America) (Paperback)

A very concise and interesting version of the history of Bath Iron Works, Maine largest private employer with a nearly 120-year history. Many great historical photos, some rarely seen elsewhere. Well done and logically organized, with a obvious slant toward the historical versus current periods.