The Good Company
By Tom Henry
Harbour Publishing
9 x 12 · 152 pages
Hardback · $35.95
100+b/w photographs, index included
1994 1550171119

If British Columbia has a favorite transportation saga, it is the story of the legendary Union Steamship Company, which operated a float of funky little steamships up and down the BC coast between 1890 and 1955. And if there is a worthy tribute to the Union Steamships, it is this generously illustrated history.

The fascinating story of the legendary Union Steamship Company, which operated up and down the BC coast between 1890 and 1955. The Union Steamship Company was an essential part of BC life during the late 1800s and early 1900s. For hundreds of people living along the coast of BC, the Union Steamship Company was the only link to the outside world. In this bright, well-illustrated, genuine history - with 100 photographs, many of them never published before - the heyday of the Union Steamships comes beautifully to life.

Long-time residents of British Columbia probably have some connection to the Union Steamship Company. In fact this reviewers parents met onboard one of the ships on a trip to Bowen Island. 

Henry really brings the ships, their crews and passengers to life. The Union Steamships were an essential element of the development of British Columbia until eventually supplanted by improved highways and aircraft. 

Profusely illustrated, this book is highly recommended.