Sitting some twenty miles off the North Devon coast, at the mouth of the Bristol Channel and at the very edge of the Atlantic, Lundy Island's survival depends on a regular and reliable connection to the mainland. Over the years a variety of packets has provided this essential link, carrying livestock, cargo, mail and, above all, passengers - residents and visitors.

A year round service has been maintained since the nineteenth century, but not without difficulties, Both the weather and simple economics have conspired against it. Despite all, the island's maritime link has survived, adapting with changes of ownership of the island - the most dramatic transition having been made in recent years. From the sailing cutter Gannet to the modern motor vessel Oldenburg, this is a story of perseverance to maintain the essential island lifeline, of the personalities involved, and of the succession of singular vessels which have served the island faithfully - the Lundy Packets.

Researched from impeccable sources, this book not only documents the packets and other associated vessels, but, coupled with nostalgic pictures, offers an evocative glimpse of Lundy in Victorian and Edwardian days, between the two world wars, and in more recent times.

ISBN 0 906294 47 9. 104pages, 100 illustrations, 20 in full colour. Hard back. 

£24.00