SS United States - by James K Rindfleisch & F Samuel Bauer & Stanton R Daywalt (Hardcover)

About the Book

The most detailed technical history of one of the world's greatest ocean liners.

Book Synopsis

Built in 1951, the SS United States was the flagship cruiser of the United States lines. Designed by William Francis Gibbs, the ship was designed to be both fast and fireproof. This book chronicles the design, construction, and operation of the liner.

Using the ship's archives, the authors detail the intricate interplay of safely operating a 990-foot-long vessel, providing the finest cuisine, entertainment, and personal services as well as running an oceangoing hotel.

The book is richly illustrated with many previously unpublished photograph, personnel lists, performance and engineering data, transcripts of ship's logs, and other documents that illustrate the massive undertaking and attention to detail that made this "America's Flagship" cruiser.

Currently docked in Philadelphia, the SS United States Conservancy, headed by Susan Gibbs, the granddaughter of William Francis Gibbs, is spearheading efforts for its revitalization.

Review Quotes

Ever since my fellow-ship lover friend Stanton Daywalt informed me some years ago that he was co-authoring with James K. Rindfleisch and F. Samuel Bauer, a new book on the SS United States, I have been looking forward with eager anticipation to receiving a copy of this new publication. Published by Schiffer Publishing and entitled, SS United States: An Operational Guide to America's Flagship, this book certainly was well worth waiting for.If you are at all interested in the history, building and operation of America's most famous and iconic passenger superliner, this is an absolute must for you. The authors have skillfully woven historic backgrounds, personal narratives, and many previously unseen photos, plans and illustrations into this beautifully produced work of the heart. The book covers the legendary liner's story from design, build, trials, and transatlantic operation, along with many logs and documents describing day-to-day life aboard the SS United States. The publication also charts what has happened over her years since withdrawal from service and the exciting plans for her future by the SS United States Conservancy, led by Susan Gibbs, granddaughter of the vessel's chief designer, William Francis Gibbs. In short, a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the life and times of the United States Lines' most famous flagship and one of the world's most memorable passenger liners. Don't miss it!
--Gordon Bauwens, Scottish & International Maritime Artist

The title of the book, SS United States: An Operational Guide to America's Flagship is a most appropriate title of this fascinating book. Unlike other books which address the life and times of the ship's career, the three authors document the design, building, and day-to-day operations of the Big U, as well as her current status and possible future. The book is "chock-a-block" with never before seen photos, diagrams, and artifacts of the ship. Of particular interest is Chapter 4: A Grant Hotel and Chapter 6: Special Features, Amenities, and Safety. Chapter 7: Running a Tight Ship, details the brig, kennels, and the care of corpses and servants. Chapter 8: The Engineering Department addresses ballast, fuel oil, stability and trim, and discusses whether the Big U shook. Throughout the 10 chapters and 5 appendixes, many little known facts about the ship are revealed. It should be noted that the three authors have been long members of the SS United States Conservancy, where efforts are being made to preserve the ship. The book is a good read for anyone interested in the SS United States. --Captain James McNamara, Board of Directors' Chairman of the SUNY Maritime Museum at Fort Schuyler