THE RIVER PALACE. by Lewis, Walter and Neilson, Rich - 2008

Toronto: Dundurn, 2008. 248 pp, large 8vo (9" H). B&w photographs, reproductions, drawings. "Steamboats carrying passengers from Hamilton to Montreal via the rapids of the St. Lawrence were a popular sight in the latter half of the nineteenth century. In 1855, the 'Kingston', an iron steamboat built for John Hamilton, appeared on the Great Lakes. When the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) toured British North America in 1860, the 'Kingston' became his floating palace for much of his time between Quebec and Toronto. While many steamboats claimed to be floating palaces, the 'Kingston' truly was one. The 'Kingston' was wrecked many times and survived spectacular fires in 1872 and 1873. Late in her career, she was converted into a salvage vessel and renamed the 'Cornwall'. In 1930 she was finally taken out and sunk near one of Kingston's ship graveyards. There she remained until diver Rick Neilson discovered her in 1989. Today, the once-palatial 'Kingston' is a popular dive site and tourist attraction." Interior - clean and tight with no previous ownership marks. Exterior - clean and bright.. First Edition. Soft Cover. Fine.