Built in 1951, the SS United States was the flagship cruiser of the United States lines. Designed by William Francis Gibbs, the ship was designed to be both fast and fireproof. This book chronicles the design, construction, and operation of the liner.

Using the ship's archives, the authors detail the intricate interplay of safely operating a 990-foot-long vessel, providing the finest cuisine, entertainment, and personal services as well as running an oceangoing hotel.

The book is richly illustrated with many previously unpublished photograph, personnel lists, performance and engineering data, transcripts of ship's logs, and other documents that illustrate the massive undertaking and attention to detail that made this "America's Flagship" cruiser.

Currently docked in Philadelphia, the SS United States Conservancy, headed by Susan Gibbs, the granddaughter of William Francis Gibbs, is spearheading efforts for its revitalization.