<<back to list

Title: : A Floating Home & Born Afloat
Authors: Cyril Ionides, J.B.Atkins & Andrew Haig

Price: 35 Guineas (£36.75) + p&p

Details: When first published in August 1918 a contemporary review described 'A Floating Home' as "...full of romantic interest." It is, of course, acknowledged as the first book on the subject of Thames Sailing Barges and within its pages captures much about that way of life at the beginning of the last century.

In 1953 John Scott Hughes, in his book 'Come and Sail', marvelled as to why 'A Floating Home' "...written" he described "with grace, charm and distinction." had not been reprinted. But another half century has elapsed before this new edition has come to fruition. Although it has been entirely reset, it keeps faith with the acclaimed original as to content and adds a second part, written by Andrew Haig, which tells of the subsequent years of the barge beyond Cyril Ionides' ownership.

This Chaffcutter edition has a new preface by Dick Durham, one time sailing bargeman, and now news editor of Yachting Monthly. The original Arnold Bennett watercolours are retained, and many new contemporary photographs added. In addition to the first edition appendices, further material, including a contemporary review and author profile, correspondence between Andrew Haig and the renowned maritime historian Frank G.G.Carr, and some Carr drawings are included.

Both barge and locality were disguised by Ionides within the original book; here those secrets are revealed.

Specification:
Size 228 x 155 (Small Royal 8vo), 336 pages, 8 watercolours, 33 photographs, illustrated end papers, gilded page edges, silk ribbon marker, case bound with head and tail bands, Oxford Library buckram cloth hardback covers, and laminated dust jacket. INDIVIDUALLY HAND NUMBERED LIMITED EDITION OF 500.