In 1930s Britain, the Queen Mary emerged as a beacon of hope during the Depression, symbolizing recovery as Cunard resumed construction on what was to be the grandest liner ever. Her incomplete hull had languished on the Clyde, but her completion signaled that the darkest days were fading, heralding a resurgence for the nation. The Queen Mary became renowned as the first British ship over 1,000 feet long, launched by her namesake, and famously won the Blue Riband for the fastest Atlantic crossing twice, holding the record until 1952. After serving in WWII, transporting up to 16,000 US troops, she retired to Long Beach, California, in 1967, where she remains a well-preserved relic of a bygone era and a testament to the golden age of transatlantic liners. David Ellery, a maritime historian and documentary maker, delves into the ship's history, answering common and obscure questions alike. His accessible yet detailed approach covers design, construction, engineering, interior fittings, wartime service, and the myths surrounding the ship. Enhanced by archival photographs and original materials, this guide offers a captivating exploration of the Queen Mary, revealing the depth of her storied legacy.
