This publication completes a trilogy providing an integrated, topographical and historical account of the nineteenth century maritime artists of North West Britain. It includes previously unpublished personal and family details of Joseph Semple of Belfast with a catalogue raisonné of over fifty of his paintings. The works and recently researched details of some of his lesser known colleagues such as Thomas Johnston and William McIlvenny, are also described and illustrated.
The former strategic importance of maritime Ulster prior to the introduction of transatlantic steam makes interesting reading, assisted by the many explanatory chartlets and descriptive notes on the various coastal backgrounds.

A compelling feature for the maritime picture collector, curator, dealer or researcher, is the author's unique account of the evolution and practical operation of the three main mercantile marine Flag Codes widely encountered in paintings of the period. First published in 1986 and long out of print, this section has since been extensively updated. Illustrative examples occur throughout the book. The Appendices include a comprehensive key to Watson's and Marryat's Ship Numbers. (The latter includes a copy of the temporary 'Supplement' in the extremely rare 7th edition of 1840). For the specialist, this Flag Code section alone will prove a frequently used and indispensable source of reference.

Flag codes provide an aesthetic and colourful enhancement to any maritime composition. The gale-whipped flags in a storm or hanging limp when becalmed, complement the artists’ impression of the prevailing conditions at the time. However, closer inspection can reveal a catalogue of information about the vessel, artist, location and potential value of the work.
Perhaps regarded as the ‘hallmark’ of a painting, interpretation may be difficult without a knowledge of the coding systems and the descriptive keys to the flags.
Painstaking work has enabled these unique codes to be fully explained and reproduced in this volume. For the first time the reader is encouraged to:

• Confirm the identity of a vessel
• Accurately date the composition
  
• Interpret a cryptic message that might explain a special event or circumstance
  
• Discover a geographical location
  
• Find the ships’ Master
  
• Discover the demise of a vessel
  
• Locate a vessels sailing route's