Book Review: The Naval Steam Reciprocating Engine

Author

Richmond, J.R.W.

Subjects

Naval technology, Book reviews, Naval Technology

Tags

Steam Reciprocating Engine

RAN Ships

None noted.

Publication

March 1989 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)

Title: The Naval Steam Reciprocating Engine Author: Norman Rivett Published by: Naval Historical Society of Australia Card No. ISBN 09587 456 0 9

The Naval Historical Society of Australia is to be congratulated on the production, and Norman Rivett on his meticulous research, compilation and authorship of this excellent little book. Little it may be in size and price but not in content or value.

This book will be much appreciated by all engineers and naval historians alike because of its subject matter, so well set out and copiously illustrated in superb draughtsmanship, but perhaps its greatest appeal will be, and should be, to those approaching this subject as novices as it is a very readable introduction to the era of steam.

Norman Rivett has introduced a happy blend of historic fact with the niceties of the development of the “up and downer”, not overlooking the human interest and humour surrounding those who designed and operated this machinery. The period covers the rapid change in the world of Naval affairs consequent to the introduction of mechanical propulsion.

It is a book which will find a treasured place on the shelves of Society members, but it can confidently be recommended as a primer for fledgling engineers, of both sexes, brought up as they are, today, on the domination of the internal combustion engine in our everyday life. This book should be required reading to anyone contemplating a visit to the delightful Powerhouse Museum in Sydney (or its equivalent elsewhere) or taking a trip a board a restored steam vessel such as the “Waratah”.

For anyone looking for a useful gift, where else could one find such value, at under $10, as “The Naval Steam Reciprocating Engine” by Norman Rivett?

J.R.W. Richmond