Customer Reviews

Last of the Boom Ships: Oral Histories of the U.S. Merchant Marine 1927-2000

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
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If you like sea stories this book is for you.

In it, a number of merchant mariners, both active and retired, describe their years of service. You'll read about their experiences as cadets on schoolships, early experiences as third and second mates during World War II, and experiences during the decline of the merchant marine during the last 50 years.

While I enjoyed the book, I do have a couple of complaints. First of all, this is the first print on demand book I've read, and I'm not very impressed with the quality. This book could have been greatly improved by better editing, there are quite a few typos, a flaw which prevents me from giving the book five stars. Also, the book focuses entirely on deck officers, masters and mates, and neglects engineers, stewards, and unlicensed crew. They have a story to tell too, and the book could have benefited from a more rounded view of the merchant marine.

Despite this, I enjoyed this book very much, and it will stay on my bookshelf next to the many other nautical biographies I own.