Steam-ships

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

72847

Title

Steam-ships

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

R. A. Fletcher traces the evolution of steam-ships from their earliest experiments to the turn of the 20th century. This comprehensive history details the technological shift from paddle-wheels to screw propulsion, the rivalry between railway and private companies, and the rise of iron and steel vessels. Written with technical precision and historical depth, it offers an authoritative account of maritime engineering and commercial expansion.

Summary up to 500 words

R. A. Fletcher's *Steam-ships* chronicles the dramatic evolution of maritime transport from wooden sailing vessels to the iron and steel steamers that defined the era up to 1910. The narrative traces the technological transition, highlighting pivotal innovations such as the screw propeller, compound engines, and eventually turbine-driven vessels. Fletcher details the intense industrial rivalry between private steamship lines and railway companies. Initially barred by parliamentary restrictions, railway entities eventually dominated cross-channel and overseas trades, often engaging in fierce competition with established private owners over mail contracts and passenger services. The book examines major routes, including the Irish mail service, the strategic opening of the Suez Canal, and transatlantic crossings, featuring specific vessels like the *Victoria* and the *Far East*. Fletcher also addresses the early challenges of steam technology, noting the unreliability of compound engines in ships like the *Mooltan* before the industry settled on successful high and low pressure machinery. The text illustrates the global expansion of major companies, including the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company and the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, alongside international rivals like the Hamburg-America Line. Through extensive technical data and descriptions of engineering feats, Fletcher captures the economic shifts and strategic maneuvers that established the steam-ship as the backbone of global trade and communication, marking the golden age of steam navigation.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/72847.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg72847.epub

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Downloaded at

2026-08-13 13:10 UTC

Categories

• Shipbuilding
• Steamboats