Customer Reviews

Picture History of the Andrea Doria (Dover Maritime)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I give this book a 4 although I would have given it a 5 had it not been for one thing - the book's title suggests it's all about the Andrea Doria which is why I purchased it. However, it's really an overview of the Italian Line with a small section dedicated to the Andrea Doria. There are many wonderful photos of many great Italian ships which makes it worth purchasing this book. The photos of the Doria are wonderful too though there could have been more interior and exterior photos included. I know more photos exist. The Doria is my favorite liner and I was very excited waiting to receive it - I was disappointed when I saw the book was not what it's name suggested, but was then pleased with the wonderful photos of the other liners which I'd never seen before. So, it is a wonderful addition to a collection but just be forwarned it's NOT about the Doria.

This book is a welcome addition to the library of any maritime historian, particularly those with an interest in the classic Italian liners. Though the book's title is "Picture History of the 'Andrea Doria'" it actually covers most all Italian liners, with particular emphasis on the "Andrea Doria," of course.

The photographs are good and I had not seen many of them before. There is good coverage of other famous Italian liners such as "Rex," Conte de Savoia," "Leonardo da Vinci," and the sister ship of the "Doria," the "Cristoforo Colombo." Other competing liners are also covered in lesser detail.

The book is generally quite good, and Miller has assembled a very good general historical overview of Italian shipping in the twentieth century. The book is in a rather odd format, and is only 118 pages long, making it somewhat resemble a special edition periodical.

Overall, I give the book four stars. It is a welcome and worthwhile read, yet I would have actually preferred more photographic coverage of the "Doria," particularly with more emphasis on interior shots.

For those of us who still the mourn the passing of this great lady, this book does her memory justice. Good text, great pix, nice overview of the Italian Line. Definately worth the $!

In 1956 one of the most luxurious 20th century pleasure ship collided with the Stockholm off New England and sank. Maritime expert Bill Miller's pictorial history presents nearly two hundred rare vintage black and white photos of the interior of the ship and the ship in port, along with its twin the Cristoforo Colombo and other similar luxury liners. The result's a striking and memorable visual tribute to some of the greatest ships in history, with plenty of text revealing background history.

Any book with a title "Picture History of" is expected to be precisely that - a photographic record of whatever the subject matter happens to be. This book does not disappoint and is exactly as promised by that title. I purchased the book because I happen to be researching the Andrea Doria at this time and a number of gaps in my knowledge were immediately filled. The quality of the photographs is also first rate.

Whilst I expected a great many pictures of the Andrea Doria, I got much more besides. This is a complete potted history of everything associated with that magnificent ship - but it commences long before she was built. There is a great deal of valuable information in addition the photography which also includes some really great long-lost ships - all of which are part of the overall story. I particularly liked the picture of the SS Rex lying alongside the battleship Andrea Doria.

One small point, the name of the Andrea Doria's only captain - as far as I have been able to determine, was Piero Calamai. In this book, he is called Pietro Calamai. I am due to visit Genoa in the near future and will be looking to finally establish which spelling is correct.

For the meantime, this is an excellent book and thoroughly recommended to anyone with an interest in the subject.

NM

But still a very interesting book. Great photos. A good used copy would have been adequate.