"This biography examines the rise of Duncan Dunbar from Thames Wharf to prominence as one of England's greatest shipbuilders and shipowners. His fleet grew into one of the largest ever assembled - larger than the Royal Navy. It is estimated that Dunbar's ships carried one third of all arrivals to Australasia and his ships were present worldwide including at the Crimea, Indian Rebellion and Second Opium Wars. He founded insurance companies and banks, and his name was as recognisble as Cunard and P&O. Contemporaries included Jardine Matheson, Rothschild, Lord Panmure, Baring, Hankey and several prime ministers including Gladstone. His etsate was estimated at £1,600,000 on his death in 1862, the third largest Probate ever granted in England." -- Back cover.