The Vanished Fleet: Australian Coastal Passenger Ships 1910-1960

Condition remarks:
Book: Good
Jacket: Very good
Pages: Good
Markings: No markings
Condition remarks: Usual signs of aging on jacket, otherwise pages crisp and clean

A richly detailed work of maritime history, The Vanished Fleet: Australian Coastal Passenger Ships 1910-1960 chronicles the golden era of coastal passenger shipping along Australia's vast shoreline, documenting the vessels, routes, and shipping companies that once formed the lifeblood of the nation's coastal transport network. Fitchett presents a comprehensive and authoritative account of the ships that carried passengers and cargo between Australian ports during the first half of the twentieth century, a period that saw both the peak and the eventual decline of this once-thriving industry. With meticulous research and an evident passion for maritime heritage, the narrative illustrates how these vessels were far more than mere transport — they were floating communities that connected remote coastal towns and shaped the social and economic fabric of the continent. The tone is nostalgic yet scholarly, drawing on historical records, shipping registers, and period photographs to bring each vessel vividly to life. This is an indispensable reference for maritime historians, shipping enthusiasts, and anyone captivated by Australia's seafaring past.