new book: Ocean-going ships

The first edition of this pictorial compendium of ocean going ships was published in 1964. The latest edition reveals a further step away from the types of ships that sailed the oceans in those days. The basic trend is bigger - both the cruise ships and the cargo vessels, most of which carry containers, but some carry bulk commodities such as oil.

Despite the inroads made by the airlines into passenger traffic, the overwhelming majority of freight carried around the world is still on board ships. The only type of cargo that the airlines carry is that which is perishable and/or time sensitive, plus of course most intercontinental mail.

This is a colorful and informative book, although nearly all the text consists of lists of owners and ship data and thus is a look up reference, rather than a 'good read'.