Customer Reviews

King and Queen of the River : The Legendary Paddle-Wheel Steamboats Delta King and Delta Queen

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Author Garvey takes us back in time, initially allowing us in on the construction of two steam powered stern-wheelers built in 1927 in Stockton, California. These craft plied the Sacramento River between San Francisco and the state capital from the late 1920s to the early 1940s. Both - however - served (in grey paint) during World War II

Garvey takes particular care in tracking the various machinations which leave the "Delta Queen" still steaming today on the Mississippi River. By means of the same careful process, Garvey indicates that the "Delta King" is tied up sans boilers or engines pierside right in the middle of Old Sacramento.....as a floating hotel and restaurant.

Commentary, photographs and interviews from the bygone days when these two ships carried passengers (and their automobiles) plus cargo in elegant style are reflected in this charming book which points to a differing pace of life. Included are such variables as fog, change of ownership, schedules, emergencies, piracy, lawsuits and the community leadership which befell this pair of 285-foot, circa 1850-ton displacement vessels.

I was on vacation when I checked this wonderful book out from the California State Library. The book took four delicious days to read and - to an admitted history buff - become touched by the sensitive and insightful look at the way it was on the Sacramento River - steaming at 8 to 10 knots - during 1927 to 1940.

For anyone who is a steamboat and/or history buff, this is a must book to read. Very clearly written and thoroughly descriptive of these 2 boats from their construction until 1999. Wonderful pictures! An interesting update should be written about the Queen's latest brush with going into oblivion in 2001. This is a part of our American heritage that all too few people know about. If I hasn't already been acquainted with the DQ after reading Mr. Garvey's book, I would have immediatly booked a cruise to find out what it's all about - once aboard that boat, a person becomes hooked on riverboat cruising. Next goal if to visit the DK in Sacramento! GREAT BOOK!!

This book has special meaning to me and my family, so I was thrilled to be able to find and acquire a copy. Not only is it a historical documentary about an area and boat I've come to love, but, my late father-in-law is mentioned in the book. He was the "river rat" who navigated the river pulling the Delta King to Sacramento after drudging it out of it's sunken state. Having this book in my collection is a gift, as my father-in-law (Herman "Dee" Heaberlin) recently passed away after a gallant fight against spinal bone/lung/lymph cancer. "King & Queen"...immortalizes him!