Author Description

Sailing on Friday recounts the growth and decline of what twice became the world's most powerful maritime fleet. This is a tale of operatic dimension, peopled with patriots, politicians, industrial geniuses, fearless seamen, and gallant swashbucklers. There are women in the story, and more than one fallen hero whose triumphs were lost in tragedy. Author John A. Butler includes accounts of little-noted innovations that had long-lasting effects, daring ocean rescues, sea battles, the greatest sealift in world history, and financial gambles that won or lost millions. Through it all there breathes the salty tang of the sea, the heady scents of cordage and canvas, of coal and oil. Growing stress among diverse forces of merchants, shipowners, seafarers, and federal agencies brings this exciting story to an appalling climax.