MERSEY ROVERS: THE COASTAL TRAMP SHIP OWNERS OF LIVERPOOL AND THE MERSEY. by Fenton, R.S - 1997

Gravesend, Kent: World Ship Society, 1997. 344 pp, large 8vo (9 7/8" H). Profusely illustrated with b&w photographs, b&w profiles on endpapers, colour reproductions of flags & funnels. "In 'Mersey Rovers' will be found many of the owners of bulk-carrying steam and motor coasters which were primarily engaged in, for want of a better word, the tramp trades. All began their shipowning careers at Liverpool or another Mersey port; several migrating from Wales to do this, others succumbing to the lure of Liverpool after a successful start at a minor port on the Mersey. Several important Liverpool owners covered in past or planned World Ship Society publications have been omitted, including the Coe, Kennaugh, Monks and Monroe families. Also left out are owners of craft engaged largely in regular liner services and in river and estuarial trades. As the inclusions and exclusions are likely to become confusing, all the local coastal shipowners of significance have been listed in the Miscellany section. The emphasis in this book is on steam and motor coasters and, for reasons explained in 'Cambrian Coasters', sailing ships will not be found in the fleet lists, although some are referred to in the histories. (I) have attempted to examine common strands in the histories of Mersey coasters and their owners and the Introductory Survey aims to place the ports, trades, owners and ships of the river in an historical and geographical context. Writing this, I have tried to answer the question, 'Why did the Mersey become such a centre for coastal shipowning?'." From the Foreword. Light waviness to edges of text block, book is lightly cocked, slight wrinkle at bottom of spine. Dust jacket has light wrinkling at top/bottom of spine and flap-folds, some light wrinkling at top edge.. Hard Cover. Very Good/Very Good.