Oldham, Wilton J. The Ismay Line. The White Star Line, and the Ismay Family Story. 1st printing. Liverpool: Journal of Commerce. 1961. hardcover. isbn: none. scarcity: very scarce.

This book is not only the first published history of the White Star Line, it is also an excellent biography of the two men most directly responsible for the companies successes and failures, Thomas Henry Ismay and his son J. Bruce Ismay. As one might expect of an Ismay family biographer, this work relates J. Bruce Ismay’s story with the kindest possible slant. The author freely admits in his introduction that he felt Ismay ‘was one of the most misunderstood and misjudged characters of the early part of the century’.

Whether you agree with the author’s opinion or not, it will not likely diminish your enjoyment of his book. Oldham had complete access to all the Ismay family papers with the result that this is one of the best researched books on the White Star Line ever written. Add in the definitive biographies of the two Ismays, plus photos and drawings of many White Star Line ships, and you have an indispensible work not to be missed.