Under Canadian Pacific's red-and-white-checkered flag, the company's founders, George Stephen and William C. Van Horne, created a rail-sea service from Liverpool to Hong Kong. Boasting sternwheelers, Great Lakes bulk carriers, ferries, and luxurious ocean-going liner leviathans, the Canadian Pacific shipping line sailed around the globe. In both world wars the entire fleet served gallantly as Allied troop carriers. After the Second World War, the company staved off the realities of the jet age for as long as it could, replacing liners with container ships, until what was left of the legendary maritime operation was sold off in 2005.
With a witty and informative style, Pigott evokes not only the nostalgic heyday of ocean travel but reveals a slice of almost-forgotten Canadiana in this study of the Canadian Pacific Line. From the stifling steerage quarters to the elegant drawing rooms, shore dwellers and old salts alike will be delighted.