The legend of the American clipper ship endures not only as one of the most stirring portraits of adventure on the open sea but also as one of the most celebrated manifestations of a growing nation's spirit of entrepreneurship. Swift, handsome vessels of uniquely American design, these ships completely dominated the open seas in the mid-nineteenth century, delivering their cargos faster and more efficiently than any other wind-propelled ships afloat. This monumental two-volume study recalls that golden age of American maritime supremacy in an illustrated encyclopedia of virtually every American clipper ― from the Ann McKim, launched at Baltimore in 1833, to the Star of Peace (1858), one of the last and greatest before the advent of the steamers. Encompassing a total of 352 ships, including the Great Republic, Northern Light, Ocean Rover, Southern Cross, Typhoon, and Young America, the highly readable text provides a wealth of nautical and historical detail from original logs and contemporary sources. Read about the real-life exploits of the captains and crews who courageously battled the elements, pirates, and European competitors to win valuable U.S. markets around the world. Here each clipper's incredible history ― from its first launch to its ultimate, sometimes tragic, fate ― is carefully documented along with details of dimensions, tonnage, cargo capacity, builder and designer, speed and length of voyages, and more. Also included are the legends and tragedies associated with many of the vessels ― like the bizarre murder aboard the Ann McKim. Enhancing the text are reproductions of over 100 paintings, prints, and plans (many were reproduced for the first itme in these volumes) displaying the magnificent grace and solid construction of these storied "tall ships." The most complete reference available, American Clipper Ships is sure to fascinate all clipper and sailing buffs, American and marine historians, and anyone else fascinated by exciting tales of adventure at sea.