Three new books with a ‘steamer’ theme have just been published by three CRSC members, and we are sure that they will be of considerable interest to our members.
Tighnabruaich Pier
This is a revised edition of Ian McCrorie’s 2002 book and has been compiled by Graeme Hogg with an aim of supporting the Tighnabruaich Pier Association. Expanding on Ian McCrorie’s original text, which forms the majority of the book, Graeme has written an Addendum both to fill in a couple of gaps in the history, and to update it by covering the 2002-25 period.
In the case of the illustrations, Graeme had access to many of those used in the original, but he also gathered others from a variety of sources, as acknowledged in the book. A new cover was required; one more appealing to a modern audience. The book was published by Mainline & Maritime in a bigger A4 format and simpler layout.
The book is available from the CRSC online SHOP at a cost of £15, or save postage and buy it for £14 at club meetings.
Steamers in the Andes – The Steamers of Lake Titicaca by Stewart D. Redwood
Stewart is a long-standing CRSC member and his book is an account of the British railway steamers – several Clyde-built – on Lake Titicaca in Peru and Bolivia in the Andes of South America. At a breath-taking altitude of 3,809 m (12,497 feet), it is the highest navigable inland lake in the world.
This publication is a 128-page softback, profusely illustrated, and is based on research in Britain and South America as well as many visits to the lake.
The steamers were owned initially by the Peruvian government, with the first two, Yavari and Yapura, built in 1862 by James Watt & Company in Birmingham, founded by James Watt of Greenock. The book describes how the steamers were shipped to Peru in small pieces and carried over the Andes in an epic journey by llamas, before being rebuilt at the lake in 1870-71. Later steamers were built by Clyde yards, such as Alexander Stephen & Sons, William Denny & Company, and Fleming & Ferguson Ltd, of Paisley.
The book also describes the navigation and ferries of the River Desaguadero, the outlet of the lake on the high plateau. It also includes historical tales of travellers and scientific expeditions and is richly illustrated with rare historical photographs, old postcards and contemporary images of the steamers set in the stunning scenery of the Andes.
The book can be obtained directly from the publishers, Ferry Publications, price £21.50.
Waverley – 80 Years of Pleasure by Iain Quinn
In this new publication Iain recounts the history of his, and others’, favourite paddle steamer. A review will be updated to this space soon, but this book is sure to be a fascinating compilation of photos and relevant historical milestones in the 80-year career of the dear old ship.
Priced at £28 it is available directly from Waverley Excursions.