Detailing the histories of 35 vessels, the first volume of The Boats of Summer spotlights the New York Harbor and Hudson River summertime excursion steamboats of the nineteenth century. During the golden age of steamboating, summer life in New York City meant climbing aboard a grand steamer for a daytime excursion. Drawing on a lifetime of investigation by author Richard V. Elliott with assistance from other prominent maritime historians, this meticulously researched maritime history features • steamboat profiles that include physical descriptions, a rundown of routes and destinations, and tales of mishaps; • histories of well-known vessels, including the beloved Mary Powell and the doomed General Slocum; • spotlights on many lesser-known excursion steamboats that are described in detail here for the first time; • rare historical images and paintings by noted maritime artist William G. Muller; • explorations of Coney Island, Playland, and the beach resorts, picnic groves, and other recreation destinations where the vessels delivered millions of passengers; and • a look at the vessels' key role in water parades and other major celebrations in New York Harbor. Embark on a nostalgic journey into New York's maritime past with this look at the excursion steamboats that captured the hearts of generations of New Yorkers and visitors. Full steam ahead!