Writing under the pen name HM Stevens, the author showcases his depth of knowledge from a career at sea, particularly in the case of a purser character.
Following the success of the previous books, and with so much more material available, the author received many requests to compile another book, but not just about shipping on the River Thames but to include shipping on the River Medway. To give as much variety as possible he has tried to not only depict ships of yesteryear but also many of the different types of vessels now using the various terminals and jetties.