Picture History of the Normandie: With 190 Illustrations [Paperback]

Frank O. Braynard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1987

Full story in pictures and text of legendary French ocean liner: Art Deco interiors, design innovations, furnishings, celebrities, maiden voyage, tragic fire, much more. Extensive text. "A meticulous and exciting photo essay..." — New York Times Book Review.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; First edition (February 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486252574
• ISBN-13: 978-0486252575
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #685,984 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #20 in Books > Professional & Technical > Transportation > Ships > Passenger

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I can't get enough of this 'Ship of Light'..., May 12, 2002

By 

Kaliopi Pappas "Tatiana Larina" (Stockton, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Picture History of the Normandie: With 190 Illustrations (Paperback)

I'm a big fan of the famous, luxurious old transatlantic liners. The Normandie is perhaps my favorite, as the most beautiful and gracious of the pre-WWII ladies of the sea. The fact that the Normandie was tragically and negligently destroyed well before she'd passed her prime has made knowing her much more difficult than her still-opulent rival, the Queen Mary. This mystery shrouds she was REALLY like...and remains a big part of her attraction. This book really helped me get closer to the Normandie, with lovely pictures of her construction and her glorious career, as well as saddening photos of her destruction. Though depressing, one sight I'd longed to see was her first class dining salon post-fire, which this book includes. I just had to know what fire and salvage would do to it...and know I know!

Though you'll never get to step on board this wonderous ship, you can learn an awful lot about her in this book!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous but,, January 23, 2003

By 

Jeb B. Lee (Lomita, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Picture History of the Normandie: With 190 Illustrations (Paperback)

This book treats the First Class area of the Normadie in great detail and lush photographs, but I was slightly disapointed by the lack of information about the 2nd and 3rd classes. From what I have heard, these two classes were far superior to any other liner of the 1930's, and it was a bit let-down not to see any photos of these areas of the fabulous Normandie.

On the other hand, I had never seen some of the 1st Class photos before--- In general, a great visual(but slightly limited)find.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Photographic Review, February 26, 2001

By 

Nagato (Denver, Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Picture History of the Normandie: With 190 Illustrations (Paperback)

Braynard's history of the Normandie is an eloquent photographic argument that the Normandie was probably the most beautiful liner ever built. Although the historian or marine engineer would likely prefer more historical or technical narrative than is presented in this book, for the lay person and ship lover this collection of stunning photographs says it all. All phases of the ship's brief life are represented -- the boldness of her design and construction, the excitement of the maiden voyage, the glamor of her glory years of transatlantic and cruise service, the loneliness and decay of the early war years, and of course her horrible demise. Through these well-organized and high-quality photographs, the reader can immerse himself/herself in the bygone era of the great liners and experience something of this wonderful ship. Such a nostalgic trip is more than worth the low price of admission!