A Star to Steer by

by Hugh Mulzac

In 1918, Hugh Mulzac became the first Negro to win his Master's license. The childhood dream to command his own vessel came to fruition in 1942 as the United States was catapulting into World War II. Here is an autobiography written with the flair and pace of a novel. From a tranquil, West Indian Island to the deck of an almost legendary Liberty ship, the Booker T. Washington, the story unfolds. With warmth and a modesty often belying the significance of his deeds, the author relives an almost singular battle for achievement. Captain Mulzac's story is exciting reading but even more it is the revelation of a life which found it could not be fulfilled until the dreams of others came to fruition.

302 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 1972

Reviews

[Fyahmetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. First, I love ships and sailing, and I'm also interested in black history. I don't really like reading about war, and though Hugh Mulzac lived - and sailed - trough both world wars, it was interesting. As a Hungarian, I've always heard only one version of the wars, and even though the facts are the same, it was interesting to see it from another point of view. And to those, who are willing to listen, Mulzac teaches a lot about true unity and equality.
It's sad that there are only so few who knows about this book and Captain Hugh Mulzac. Many talk about Marcus Garvey, but why not Hugh Mulzac? I don't want to disrespect Mr. Garvey, personally I picked up this book because my dad told me Mulzac knew Garvey personally and I wanted to read more about him, but I found Captain Hugh is a hero should be known by the world.

[Kimberley Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many more libraries should own this book!
It is a national scandal that Mr. Mulzak walked around with a fully qualified pilot's license for so many years before finally being given a chance to captain a ship (due to personnel shortages during WWII). This book is an enjoyable read in its own right, but also describes some very important aspects of race relations in the United States. Even in the age of President Obama,the ideals of Marcus Garvey and others described in this book still fall short in actual practice. Highly recommended.

[John Cates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting memoir oy the African American to earn a merchant marine masters license - traces his stort from a boy sailing in the Caribbean through the early 20th century, with all the obstacles placed in his way, civil rights struggles, WW1 and WW2