The QE2 Story, by Chris Frame

[Rob Lightbody]

Chris,

Glad to see that there are finally images available for your new QE2 Story book!!  The front page of this site doesn't look so bare now!

http://www.QE2Story.com/



Can I say that I LOVE the bold cover design - really suits the ship - and also will make it stand out in Amazon book search results!


Product Description
There has been no more beloved liner than Queen Elizabeth 2. A legendary Cunarder, she was the last trans-Atlantic liner to be built on British Soil. She was constructed at the historic John Brown & Co. Shipyard in Clydebank (Scotland) and her keel was laid on 5th July 1965. Her maiden voyage left Southampton on 2nd May 1969 bound for New York, marking the start of a career that lasted nearly 40 years. She enjoyed a unique and varied career including service as a troop ship in the Falklands War - during which she sailed over 14,900 miles! QE2 always kept up with the times, and enjoyed many refurbishments, including a mammoth re-engine programme in 1986/87 and a headline grabbing refurbishment in 1994 - after which she emerged as an elegant English Country House at sea ready to face the 21st Century. In November 2008 QE2 retired after enjoying a gala farewell season. Her final destination was Dubai, UAE where her new owners, Nakheel, intend to use her as the centrepiece of a hotel complex at The Palm Jumeriah. Here, the last chapter of her exceptional life will be written, while her seagoing career closes. The QE2 Story will be a concise history of QE2, the greatest Ocean Liner of our time - it will share with the reader the history of QE2, from the conception of Q4 and the laying of keel no. 736, to her final years and retirement.

About the Author
Chris Frame and Rachelle Cross are maritime historians with extensive experience sailing aboard QE2. Their passion for the ship has resulted in them researching her history in detail. They maintain an independent Cunard website as well as giving lectures about Ocean Liner history.

Rob Lightbody's Review (from Amazon at the time of the book's Launch)
A great wee book, about a very great ship
12 Dec 2009
This book has far greater depth than first appears. It is small, but perfectly formed! Lots of amazing photos which, despite having many QE2 books, I had not seen before. Its also packed full of facts and information, some of which I had either forgotten, or was not aware. The book is peppered with quotes and stories from people involved in the ship's long and wonderful story. The best way to describe this book is as if a full-sized in-depth "boring" maritime history book about QE2 had been condensed into a more pallatable form. The ideal present for either the QE2 geek in your life, or just someone with a passing interest - e.g. someone with happy memories of times spent aboard.

I am happy to highly recommend this wee book.
- Rob Lightbody

[Andy F]

Agreed Rob, most striking and can't wait for it to hit the shelves 

[Chris Frame]

Thanks Rob & Andy - it was news to me that the cover was out on Amazon - but I am very glad it is.

We're also extremely happy with the cover - very glad you like it!

[KEV]

Yes I saw it too on Amazon and cover looks great
Count me in for a copy Chris
Will you be doing a signing session !!

Cheers
Kev

[Chris Frame]

Thanks Kev - it seems to be on special at Amazon UK (in fact it looks as if Amazon UK has discounted a lot of their stock by 30% recently). It'd be wonderful to do a signing for the forum - perhaps aboard QE2 in Dubai sometime - or better yet, back in the UK once she returns home

[Andy F]

I'll hold you to that one Chris!

[Mauretania1907]

Even a book signing aboard (or beside her) in Dubai may advise Nakheel that they have a very special ship. NOT some vista-class wannabe.

[Chris Frame]

I'll hold you to that one Chris!

I hope you do What a thrill to be signing books aboard QE2 as she powers back towards Southampton! If only...

[Andy F]

Sadly, there were no books (for sale) about QE2 per se in the Maritime Museum in SOTON yesterday.

 

I visited the museum the morning after QE2's final departure and aside from a few old postcards, there was nothing of any interest QE2 wise.  Some years back, , there used to be an excellent bookshop in Ocean Village, specialising in maritime books, artwork etc.  Spent hours, not to mention a small fortune in there over the years but sadly it closed down and the place has been virtually demolished in readiness for redevelopment. 

[Chris Frame]

I'll get my publisher onto this - our book(s) should be at the Maritime Museum there!

[Twynkle]

Great news, Chris!

[Chris Frame]

Thanks Rosie 

[Rob Lightbody]

On another note, we're currently proofing The QE2 Story which is coming out in October. It has inclusions from several members here including Rob, Andy F, Mr B & Flagship just to name a few

You're writing a book Chris???  Wow!  Who knew!?

        

Can't wait to see it

[Chris Frame]

I know... I do like to keep these things quiet 

[Twynkle]

Chris' new book 'The QE2 Story' is out soon.... a matter of days now

Wondering how we could have special launch aboard the Forum!

[Chris Frame]

Thanks Rosie - we're excited about the upcoming release!

One forum member has already read the book (I won't say who ) so it'll be great to hear the thoughts of everyone else should they read it sometime in the future.

[Twynkle]

I wonder who?

Let's all hope that there will be good news for QE2 -
then you'll be able write a second edition - hopefully very soon

[Twynkle]

'The QE2 Story'
by Chris Frame and Rachelle Cross  - published today!

[Chris Frame]

Hope you all saw the little acknowledgement to you all in this book