TRAMPS AND LADIES

by Sir James With P.R. Stephenson Bisset ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 16, 1959

This is the second volume of a projected trio of autobiographical books by Sir James Bisset whose greatest prominence came as war-time commander of the great Cunard liners Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth. The first volume dealt with Sir James' early experiences in sail. The present book begins in 1906, as the young man decides to switch to steam vessels where he correctly determined the future of seamanship to lie. The story covers his first experiences in tramp steamers and his subsequent appointment to duty as fourth officer in the Cunard hierarchy which he never left once he joined it, becoming ultimately a commodore of the line. Sir James has almost total recall when it comes to ships and ships' companies, but he, or his collaborator, writes clearly and with a beguiling simplicity. The climax of this volume is reached in his account of the rescue operations conducted by the Cunarder Carpathia, on which he was second officer at the time, during the Titanic disaster. Much has been written on this subject, but this eye-witness account is far from the least moving. Sir James, a more or less self-educated man,steadily displays a cultivation and true generosity of mind that are rare enough in any walk of life.

Pub Date: Oct. 16, 1959

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Criterion

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1959

Categories: NONFICTION