In some 300 large-size illustrations, this book shows the whole development of German passenger ships from the first paddle steamers on rivers and lakes, via the early ocean liners still equipped with auxiliary sails and the luxury high-speed steamers before and between the World Wars, to the great car ferries and "dream ships" of our times. The ocean cruise ships, river steamers and railroad carriers are also shown, as well as their most impressive interior decor and unique scenes from life on board. Much of the photographic material has never before been published. Technical details are included as well as the history and fate of the ships.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, German passenger liners carried their cargoes throughout the European waterways and transported millions of emigrants to New York to find places of opportunity in America. This fully illustrated book covers the development of these ships from paddle steamers on rivers and lakes to the great car ferries and dream ships of our time. Hansen weaves the fascinating development of this huge industry with over 300 photographs, many of them in color and never before published.