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John Maxtone-Graham
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The Only Way to Cross

by John Maxtone-Graham (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 96 ratings
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Sketches the history of transatlantic liners since the turn of the century, examining their design and innovations as well as their memorable passengers
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  1. ISBN-10
    0020960107
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0020960102
  3. Publisher
    Macmillan Pub Co
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 1978
  5. Language
    English
  6. Dimensions
    6.5 x 1.5 x 9.25 inches
  7. Print length
    434 pages
  8. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Macmillan Pub Co (January 1, 1978)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 434 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0020960107
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0020960102
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.76 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 1.5 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 96 ratings

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John Maxtone-Graham

John Maxtone-Graham

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
96 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

John the Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderfully evocative read
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2013
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And one of the best ways to read of crossing the `ditch' on the big liners of yesteryear. Along with John Malcolm Brinnin's work ([Beau Voyage: Life Aboard Last Great Ships]) this book stands as defining the period, and the grace, power and engineering of the industry. The writing is graceful too, and the photographs ravishing and - to my generation - evocative.

It was the Jumbo Jets that killed the industry of course, crossing the Atlantic in hours rather than days, and, originally and only initially of course, more economically. Of course, on the liners one was treated not only royally but even - gasp! - as though one was a welcomed guest and even a human being.

So, having killed off the competition, except for one or two of the majestic queens of the sea now degraded to floating holiday camps and `cruising', and with a gradual erosion of expectations of service and courtesy, the airlines took over "The Crossing". Then, having evaded true competition, those offering the "economic and quicker passage" rapidly escalated the fares up to near parity, unless one would accept "Steerage" (in Tourist) or pay exorbitant additional fees for a more humane seat and a faint echo of services.

But do not bring your bags!
4 people found this helpful
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timothy a. mccarthy
5.0 out of 5 stars The finest writing on this or any other subject
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2013
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This a romance story about an era, nay, a way of life that is gone forever. Made obsolete with the advent of jet travel, ocean crossings - once, the only way to cross - is simply a memory of that declining population that experienced it. It mirrors as well the decline of the British empire that was the symbol of that travel. It was so much more than simply going from one part of the world to another. In many cases, it was leaving one world behind forever. But, in the end, it is the writing that makes this book worth reading again and again. It is a perfect compliment to a great subject. I love this book and its story.
4 people found this helpful
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Robin Salaman
5.0 out of 5 stars If you love liners, you will love this book!!
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2019
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Maxtone-Graham writes beautifully and with great authority about a subject he knows well: transatlantic ocean liners throughout their history. If this is something that interests you, you will not be disappointed, as he weaves history, economics, design, and popular culture together to create a compelling and hugely entertaining story.
One person found this helpful
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Suzanne Shaughnessy
5.0 out of 5 stars HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT STEAMSHIP CROSSINGS WERE ACTUALLY LIKE?
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2017
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If you've ever been curious about the passenger liners which plied the North Atlantic between the US and Europe in days gone by, you will probably love this book. It is filled with information about what it was like to travel on one of them, as well as the engineering marvels which enabled them to be built. It isn't at all dry, and is loaded with photographs from the era. In all, I cannot recommend this engaging book highly enough.
4 people found this helpful
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Mrdman
4.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2017
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Her is a great history of the great ships that once graced the route of ocean travel. Since the story ended with the birth of the QE2 a follow up book would be awesome in 2017 only 2 of thos ships still exist and one of them may soon be gone as well. This would leave the Queen Mary as the only example of ocean travel. The Hale trophy (for the fastest Atlantic crossing) now no longer to one of these great ships and the last liner to winner is rusting to death at its mooring. The great cruse ships partialy carry on the oceas tradition and it would be nice to continue with their stories.
2 people found this helpful
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pbk63
5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for anyone who loves cruise ships and ocean liners
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2011
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I bought this book to share with my daughter my experience of making atlantic crossings and to encourage her to do the same on the modern cruise ships. We had just finished our second two week cruise together in Europe after having done a two week cruise to Hawaii the previous year. I thought this book would bring to life the days of the ocean liners before the airplane took over the transatlantic routes. I was not disappointed! In fact I found it fascinating reading and can give it the highest of recommendations.
4 people found this helpful
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OTBC
5.0 out of 5 stars Finished too quickly
Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2012
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I read this wonderful book with increasing dread, as I neared the end. This was one of the best books I have read, on any subject, in a long time and I didn't want to close it for the last time. It has stimulated in me a new and strong interest in ocean liners. Although filled with often arcane detail - where did he find some of the little jewels in the book? - it was delightfully easy to read. The book benefitted enormously from his own personal experience.
One person found this helpful
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Stephen F. Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on the history of transatlantic ship travel
Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2011
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I met John Maxtone Graham on an Atlantic crossing, and saw several of his lectures. He's an excellent historian, and very informative and entertaining to listen to. I think he's crossed the Atlantic several hundred times -- the first at age 6 months.

The Only Way to Cross was written in 1972, but is as interesting to read today as it must have been then. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and recommend it to anyone interested in ocean liner travel.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Mitchell mcintosh
5.0 out of 5 stars I recieved it
Reviewed in Canada on June 29, 2023
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I recieve$ this order and I love it. Though amazon says it’s late lol
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Felix
5.0 out of 5 stars Muy interesante
Reviewed in Spain on November 13, 2021
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Muy completo e interesante de tener en tu librería sobre trasatlánticos.
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BrianG
5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT Interesting facts and stories from a lost era
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 29, 2018
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EXCELLENT Interesting facts and stories from a lost era..
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Walther Edlauer
5.0 out of 5 stars The book is as I exspected. All what I want to know about the good old days:-)
Reviewed in Germany on September 8, 2016
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Very pleased with the service
The deliverybranch in Vienna reacted promptly to my complain of deliveryservice. I don't mind to pick up a parcel in a depot around the corner. But the first attempt was to pick it up 1 and half kilometer away.
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Daniel Ramsay
5.0 out of 5 stars Written in good, rich
Reviewed in Canada on March 19, 2017
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You've already read plenty of books about the Titanic. It's time to put all that in context, and learn more broadly and deeply about the culture of ocean crossings that existed in that era. Reading this book is the closest you will ever come to living your dream of travelling on a classic ocean liner. Written in good, rich, quality, old-school English, too. If you get bored reading the chapter about the Mauretania, just skip ahead. I burned through this book real quick.
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