This legendary work by Hans Szymanski was created after an extensive study trip in the 1930s along the entire Lower Elbe and the Lower Weser. It represents a unique compendium on the historical shipping in the Elbmarsch and has been reissued multiple times. Even today, there is no better-researched book on this subject. It deals with all known shipyards, ship types, construction methods, the various riggings, and the use of the ships, including the cargo transported.