This is an auction for PHANTOM FLEET: THE SCOWS & SCOWMEN OF AUCKLAND by Ted Ashby.

"Auckland's Phantom Fleet consisted of the little deck scows and hold scows that played so important a part in the building of a great city. Between 1873 and the 1920s no fewer than 125 of these ketches and schooners were built. This book is their memorial. It brings the ships and their men into sharp focus, the work they did, the hardships they faced. The hard labour of pushing loaded shingle barrows up a 14-inch plank on one wheel and one leg; the battles of wits between the scow-men and the crafty merchants, who usually held the winning cards; salty yams of even saltier characters; the ships themselves, each with her own personality; grim accidents; comic incidents - the author gives us all these and at first hand, for he has spent 50 years as scowman, skipper, and a rebuilder of the scows. His 118 photographs form a gallery of grace and interest. His four sea-poems tingle with nostalgia. And for good measure he has included a comprehensive register of the 125 vessels that are now, alas, no more than a Phantom Fleet."

Large format hardback 1993.

167 pages.

Photographs throughout.

Good condition.

The cost of shipping is $6.95 (tracked mail). If you are on rural delivery and want tracked mail, the shipping cost will be $9.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.