The history of sailing yachts has been recounted often, but these magnificent motor yachts, although far more popular in their time, have been largely neglected. They were the playthings of the very rich, men who competed with one another to have the fastest, longest, and most up-to-date motor yacht. Many of these vessels rivaled great mansions in both the luxury and the quality of their workmanship. And they cost fortunes to build and maintain.

This book is a loving look at some of the most beautiful motor yachts in the world, beginning in 1830 when the first private steam vessel was commissioned in England, the 120-foot Menai. It would be followed by more lavish private boats, some powered by gas, others by diesel. As one can see from the beautiful photographs in this book, all were elegant. Ross MacTaggart documents here a world that has largely vanished, a world where small fortunes were spent tastefully.