Pleasures of the Firth: 200 Years of Clyde Steamers

In August of 1812, the Clyde's first steamer was launched. Named 'The Comet' after a meteor that had caused quite a stir the previous year, she boasted a tall narrow funnel that doubled as a mast when required! This book celebrates a notable era on the river Clyde. Before the Comet, transport on the Clyde was by sail-boat and the trip from the Broomielaw to Helensburgh could take 5 or 6 hours if wind and tide were favourable but a couple of days if conditions were poor. In a time when pleasure traffic on the river seems to have all but disappeared, this is a much anticipated, detailed and beautifully photographed history of these iconic and much loved vessels. Pleasures of the Firth is set to become the most comprehensive study published of the steamers and ferries that have plied the Clyde from the earliest days of steam navigation in 1812. With over 450 illustrations and an exhaustively researched fleet list, giving details of every Clyde ferry and excursion boat, it will undoubtedly be the definitive work