If there ever was a book for re-printing this hard-to-find text is worth it. A better read than Dana's "Two Year's Before the Mast" this book covers that time when sailing ships were being replaced by steamers and as such captures the era when a technique of transportation was being revolutionized after hundreds (thousands?) of years of use. Bisset allows you to see the world through the eyes of a teenager, feel the yearning for adventure, and set off on his goal of become a seaman. It's the perfect combination of escapism (for me), adventure, and a true glimpse of the way it really was. Truly fascinating.

Mr. Bisset carries the sequence of events from his entry into sail through becoming an accomplished seaman. This is the first of three in this series, all factual. He tells a good story of the way things were in then sailing ship era, a time that will not pass this way again. In his next two books (Tramps and Ladies; Commodore) he continues through rescuing the TITANIC survivors to becoming master of the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth during WWII

Sir James Gordon Partridge Bissett is an outstanding example of a 20th century ocean liner captain as well as a great writer of sea exploits. "Tramps and Ladies" is the 2nd of an autobiographical trilogy, "Sail Ho" being first and "Commodore" being third. Anyone who is interested in maritime history including the Titanic disaster should read this. Bissett was an officer aboard the Carpathia when it came to the aid of the stricken Titanic. His desciptions of the rescue and subsequent investigation are very thorough.

Heavily biased and apologetic in favor of Crwowley, but still worth a read. Not a long book tho, and written in an outdated style.

I had my doubts about the book at first but as soon as I started reading I changed my mind. It is an extraordinary book about Aleister Crowley. Stephensen takes you on a tour through the life of Crowley, from beginning to end. What makes the book just right is the articles, which Stephensen has included, from journalists proposed and opposed to Crowley. You get a good look at what really was written about Crowley during his life, what people thought of his books, not everybody thought he was the most wicked man on earth. I really recommend this book for any one even slightly interested in Crowley. This book is a one of a kind.

When I first had this book in my hand I had my doubts, what's interesting with a scrapbook. As soon as I started to read I change my mind. This book is an excellent work on the person Crowley, written by Stephensen who knew him. Stephensen had help from Regardie who filled in the spots about Crowley that Stephensen did not have knowledge of.

The most interesting part of the book si the outcuts from articles that were published during Crowley's time. They are from newspapers that reviewed his books, or commented his latest appearing. It lets you get a close look at how and why Crowley was attacked by journalists, and from where the public got itss ideas about him.

A must for those who considere them selves to know Crowley, or those who just are interested in him.