AROUND MANHATTAN ISLAND AND OTHER MARITIME TALES OF NEW YORK, Brian Cudahy, 1997
While not a fire service book, this book is well worth the investment. It was written by noted transporation writer Brian J. Cudahy, who has a long time interest in FDNY. A good portion of this book, 52 pages, is devoted to FDNY's fireboat fleet and is one of the most concise and accurate histories ever printed of New York's fireboats. The chapter includes well researched text, excellent photos and detailed drawings and could have been published alone as a small book. The text covers the history and development of the fireboats in detail, along with locations and technical details. Also included are tales of firefighting exploits and major maritime fires. There are many cross-referenced notes at the end of the chapter which provide the serious student or researcher with many sources of further information. These are also three appendices devoted to the fireboats: a vessel roster that includes Official Number, name, dimensions, year built, manufacturer, and disposition; sources of names of the fireboats; and selected major incidents that the boats operated at. The remainder of this work, while not related to the fire service, is also lively and informative reading.
6" x 9"; 269 pages, over 100 photos & illustrations, softcover BA9700 / $21.00
BACK COVER 37,112 bytes
photo of Fireboat John J. Harvey 9,049 bytes