White Star Line was originally founded in Liverpool in 1845 for travel to Australia but was eventually purchased by Thomas Ismay and transformed into the successful Oceanic Steam Navigation Co. Cleverly merging with Harland & Wolff, the line focussed on luxury over speed, developing many of the world's favourite vessels. Finally merging with its great rival Cunard in the 1930s depression, the companies continued to operate separately while flying one another's flags. This evocative book explores the colourful history of White Star Line, from personal postcards with messages from passengers, crew and troops, to the careers of her vessels in peacetime and at war, all from Patrick Mylon's impressive collection. It includes ships with alternative identities, unusual stories like the planned escape of Dr Crippen, and showcases a wide variety of interior views, adverts and 'proof', silk and Company Issue cards, conveying the glamour, drama and history of this world-renowned line.

During the history of the White Star Line there were two international disputes - the Boer Wars and the First World War. White Star Line vessels valiantly served in both, including the Big Four: Celtic, Cedric, Baltic and Adriatic. After the merger of White Star with Cunard in 1934, several of the company's vessels served once again in the Second World War, helping move people and supplies around the world. Sadly, not all vessels returned from conflict, with many beautiful liners lost while performing their duty, but behind every engagement and wreckage there are tales of great heroism and endeavour. Here, author and collector Patrick Mylon has compiled the first book to concentrate on what happened to the White Star ships during wartime, weaving together ship histories and human stories to create a poignant and evocative book filled with rare imagery.