Our Seamen : An Appeal

Reproduced from the original edition
of 1873 and including facsimiles of
sketches, drawings and photographs
. This is a reproduction of one of the
most important maritime books ever
published. It was an explosive piece of
literature when it was launched in
1873, causing a public sensation that
was to reverberate round the world. It
was to alter the course of maritime
history for two years after its
publication the Plimsoll line became
law for shipping.
Plimsoll revealed scandal after scandal
on the activities of unscrupulous
shipowners and shady insurance
companies which he maintained led to
continuing disasters at sea with heavy
loss of life. He quoted examples of
undermanning, overloading, bad
stowage, over insurance, deficient
engines and produced written
evidence, charts and photographs
which was damning evidence when
published in this his book.