This year New Zealands National Maritime Museum will be in the thick of the action when the America's Cup defence comes to Auckland. This beautiful book, photographed by Jane Ussher, surveys its collection and explores New Zealand maritime history through 100 fascinating and wide-ranging objects. From shipbuilding tools and Peter Blake's first trophy, to menu cards from the glory days of ocean liners and exquisite model ships, its the perfect book for all who love the sea, boats and ships, and all else that sails on the water.--

Frances Walsh is an award-winning writer, editor, and researcher who has had a long career in journalism, including writing for many of New Zealand's leading magazines. For several years she was Books and Arts Editor at Metro magazine. Her social history Inside Stories: A History of the New Zealand Housewife 1890-1975 was published in 2011. She has also worked as a trade unionist and as a teacher. She currently works as the in-house writer for the New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui te Ananui a Tangaroa. Jane Ussher is one of New Zealand's best known photographers. Her most recent books are Coast, Islands, and Worship.