The 'Big Four' of the White Star Fleet: Celtic, Cedric, Baltic & Adriatic Hardcover – 6 Oct. 2016

As usual with ‘History Press’ the book is beautifully produced, and this one features no less than 271 illustrations in its 185 pages, including quite a few full page views of the ship. This is not, however, done at the expense of the text since Mr Chirnside has much to say and he quite cleverly blends the history of four ships into a seamless and logically arranged narrative. For example the build history of the first three is combined in one chapter whilst another focuses on ‘Adriatic’ which was in many ways quite different, with more public rooms (Turkish baths, etc), many more suites, structural changes to the hull and superstructure and more boilers for greater power.There are eight chapters, which of course cover the history chronologically, and notable events are fully detailed, such as the WW1 torpedo attacks on ‘Celtic’; there is a whole chapter covering her shipwreck in 1928. However lesser known incidents get due mention, including the explosion aboard ‘Adriatic’ in 1922. In David Hutchings book on ‘Mauretania’ there are frequent references to large scale desertions amongst the crew, especially (and unsurprisingly) from the stoke hold, but there is no such comment here. Presumably there was rather less pressure on the men than in the express steamers, but problems must have arisen and it is to be noted that these four remained coal fired through to the end of their careers.The illustrations are superb and ‘groups’ of them cover a single theme, such as General Pershing traveling aboard ‘Baltic’ in 1917. To appreciate these,though, it is necessary to read some very long picture captions, many of which are printed on a small scale - I have to read those with a magnifying glass. There are many interesting photos of interiors, though as usual the third class is rather short changed, not being a feature of much contemporary promotion. ‘Third’ was however very superior for the early 20th century: a few years earlier most Atlantic liners were really emigrant ships employing huge, crude dormitory areas. There are a number of deck plans, some of these being located in the excellent 20 page colour section, but there are no full length profile illustrations and so the exact location of the public rooms and blocks of accommodation within the hull is not always entirely clear.All considered this is an excellent book detailing liners which have never before received such coverage. Locating all those photographs must have entailed much research. Although this is a very fine softback I would have paid the extra for a hardback edition.

Another great book from Mark Chirnside. White Star's Celtic, Cedric, Baltic & Adriatic were impressive and highly successful liners. They are often overlooked, however, since they were not "express" liners and operated on the Liverpool-New Your route. This book goes a long way to rectifying that situation. The in-depth text describes the adventures careers of "The Big Four." The Celtic was damaged twice in World War I and was lucky to survive. Adriatic represented the epitome of ocean liner development for White Star when she entered service in 1907. She had many features that would later be installed in Olympic and Titanic.Highly Recommended!

Over the last ten or fifteen years, Mark Chirnside has rightfully gained a reputation within the maritime community as being a first-rate historian. As a maritime historian and author myself, I know how difficult it is to turn up new material and follow the trail of evidence to correct conclusions. I've worked with Mark on several projects, and he always manages to help me find some valuable nugget of information that I need, just when I need it. Yet every time I pick up one of Mark's new books, I'm astonished to see what he has managed to put together.So much has been written about the Titanic - and now, although to a lesser extent, her sister ships Olympic and Britannic - that it is easy to forget that they were just three ships of the White Star Line's fleet. Their immediate predecessors, the so-called 'Big Four' liners, have gone largely overlooked except as a footnote to the Titanic tragedy. Not any more. These four ships, so long forgotten, have finally been given they treatment they deserve. Mark has collected a treasure trove of information, first-hand accounts, technical data, photographs, and ephemera on this quartet of liners. The format is beautiful.This isn't a plug for a friend... Mark knows me well enough to know that if I thought it wasn't good, I would say so as tactfully as I could. This book is a real gem, and I'm proud to add it to my collection of maritime volumes.If you like ships, don't hesitate... just pick up a copy. You will be astounded.

Very nice looking good quality book. Very pleased it is for a gift, which I believe the recipient will appreciate and enjoy.

Good, but surpringly light on structural and tonnage alterations to the four ships over their service careers. Mildly disappointed.

Great book of this serie of liners from H&W in Belfast, I wish that Mark will do a book like this of the Oceanic 1899 as well.

Great

I didn’t know much about these ships before I picked up this book. I quite enjoyed it. Very readable and lots of great pics.

Very well put together

Very interesting and lavishly illustrated.

These ships led a confusing life, but all of the facts are laid out clearly and concisely here. A fascinating read

I knew little about this series of liners, and enjoyed the fact that these ships were so profitable, and such an important part of liner history. What a well written and illustrated book of the pre-Olympic/Titanic liners of the White Star Line. So lucky to have access to this overlooked portion of early 1900's liner history.

Good overview of a group of ships one doesn't hear that much about. Good photo. Although for year to year operations of these ships "Falling Star" is better, this was a wothwile addition to my library

I can't think of a better book than this about the 'big four'. There's some great research here along with great pictures. The only reason I bought this book was because it's written by mark chirnside and I'm a fan of everything he's ever written. I have to say this was well worth the price AND time I spent reading it!

I got this after reading Mark Chirnside's book on RMS Olympic. This was another excellent read an well worth it for anyone interested in white star line history.

Interesting book. Titanic has garnered so much attention over the years it is refreshing to read about some of the successful work horses of the Atlantic ferry and their contributions to immigration and the allied success in WWI.

Love the book. Lots of great images mixed with a wonderful writing style. Clear, concise, and to the point.

The book was full of useful information. Learned a lot about these ships. I was very happy with this purchase.

A great volume about the famous Big Four.

good