The Iron Ship: The history and significance of Brunel's 'Great Britain'

Bradford-on Avon, Wiltshire: Moonraker Press, 1978 9780239002433. Soft cover. VG. Second Impression. Large: 9.5 x 7.5. 253 pages including notes, list of 142 illustrations, bibliographgy and detailed index. No annotations or inscriptions etc. No creasing to covers or spine. This edition produced specially for the SS Great Britain project. Enclosed is an illustrated 'Mendip Card' titled 'Brunel in Bristol' which outlines Brunels's engineering achievements in Bristol including the building of SS Great Britain. Brunel's SS Great Britain is one of the most important historic ships in the world. When she was launched in 1843, she was called 'the greatest experiment since the creation'. No one had ever designed so vast a ship, nor had the vision to build it of iron. Brunel fitted her with a 1000 hp steam engine, the most powerful yet used at sea. Perhaps most daring of all, Brunel rejected using conventional paddle wheels to drive his ship. Instead, he gave the SS Great Britain a screw propeller. This was the newest invention in maritime technology. By seeing how to combine these key innovations, Brunel created a ship that changed history.The SS Great Britain began its working life carrying passengers between Liverpool and New York City and did not return to Bristol until 1970; 127 years later. When it returned it was placed in the same Dry Dock where it was originally built, which visitors can now explore. .