It was in November 1949 tbat the first article in the series "Steamers ofthe Past" appeared in the monthly magazine "Sea Breezes", introducing thc name of J.H. Isherwood to readers. In the seventeen years which have elapsed since then, the serics has developed into one of thc most popular features ofthe magazine and Mr. Isherwood's matchless drawillgs have become known to shiplovers all over the world. In bringing together thirty of the best "Steamers of the Past" we are meeting the many requests received in the "Sea Breezes" editoriai office for a book of this nature. That many shipping enthusiasts and maritime historians should wish "Steamers of the Past" to be published in book form is perhaps not surprising, for Mr. Isherwood writes and draws not only with authority and accuracy, but also from practical experience. Re first went to sea in 1920 and served his time with the Blue Funnel Line, remaining with that company until 1930. In December of that year he obtained his extra master's certificate, but the great trade depression of those times prevented him from securing further employment at sea for some years. In 1933 he took a teaching post at the Royal Merchant Navy School, Bearwood, but in 1939, with the advent of the Second World War, he joined the Orient Line and was appointed second officer in the Orcades. In 1942 he was stili serving in this vessel when she was torpedoed and sunk in the South Atlantic. Subsequently he was appointed second officer in the Orion and then chief officer in the Sameveron, a "Liberty" ship under the management of the Orient Line. He took command of this ship for a short period when the master had to be put ashore seriously ill. Mr. Isherwood joined the staff of the Southampton School of Navigation at Warsash in 1946, where he is now Senior Lecturer in the department preparing candidates for mates, masters and extra masters for their Board of Trade examinations. With pleasure we present this volume of "Steamers of the Past" and hope that it will provide the reader with memories of some once well-known ships of many nations.