This well-researched book tells the fascinating story of the then-most-famous liner in the world – the Mauretania. Built for the North Atlantic she was created to regain the fabled Blue Ribband that had been taken from Great Britain by a rapidly expanding and imperially ambitious Germany. Although she and her sistership, Lusitania did regain the Ribband, speed was only part of the reason of why she had been constructed; rapid conversion into an Armed Merchant Cruiser in time of war was a role never realised as, when war finally came, this Cunard liner became a fast troopship and a hospital ship. After the Armistice 'The Grand Old Lady of the North Atlantic' continued to astound, retaining the Blue Ribband for an amazing twenty-two years! David Hutching re-examines this legendary ship. AUTHOR: David Hutchings' lifetime love of ships has shaped his life as a shipbuilder and writer. He has written many successful books, including a Hayne's manual for the Titanic, and is a member of The World Ship Society, the Ocean Liner Society, Solent Maritime Society, British Titanic Society, and Titanic International. He has contributed to magazines and DVDs, and regularly lectures on cruise ships. He lives in Lee-on-The Solent, Hampshire. 37 colour and 106 b/w illustrations