High Style on the High Seas

This book follows the evolution of ocean liner design, its grandeur and occasionally its lower-class simplicity. There are the lavish suites, staterooms, even the austerity of third class and steerage. But mostly it is the luxury columned lounges, marble fireplaces, the chandeliers and the palms that are featured on these highly illustrated pages.

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Ocean liners conjure up an instant image of luxury. The great salons and smoking room, the suites, the staterooms and even the indoor swimming pools. This book will look at a century or so of the decor of ocean liners. It begins with the likes of the 'Mauretania', commissioned in 1907, and shows the Edwardian flourish and finery-the palm court days. We move into the 1920s & '30s, to Art Nouveau, German Bauhaus and of course the high glamour of Art Deco. Ships include the 'Paris', the innovative 'Ile de France', the 'Bremen' and the stunning 'Normandie' and 'Queen Mary'. Then there is post-war moderne, 'mid century' as it is dubbed today, and finally the contemporary of the current cruise generation-the floating resorts.