Following the success of "Australian Migrant Ships 1946-1971" Peter Plowman examines those ships and shipping companies used to transport migrants to Australia and New Zealand from 1900 to 1939. During the period covered by the book there was no regular assisted passage scheme available, though from time to time various government incentives were offered. The majority of migrants paid the full fare, and they mostly travelled on regular passenger liners. Though the majority of migrants came from Great Britain there was a steady flow from Germany and Italy to both Australia and New Zealand. Peter documents the vessels, where built, by whom, their tonnage, their voyages and their ultimate fate.