Publisher's Synopsis
For over a century the Titanic disaster has fascinated the world's historians, writers, film makers and general public ever since she sank with the loss of over 1500 lives in April 1912. This copiously illustrated book considers much more than its title suggests, beginning with an overview of the White Star Line's fleet. Next, Titanic's construction, layout, opulent furnishings, passenger experiences and the central personalities are introduced. Important aspects of her maiden voyage are revisited; the first ice warnings, lookouts, striking the iceberg, sinking, partial lifeboat evacuation and the lessons learned from the Inquiries held in Britain and America. After touching on the 'Titanic's Curse', forewarnings, and myths of 1912, it moves to Dr Robert Ballard's dramatic discovery and exploration of her in 1985. This reawakened interest, and in 1997, James Cameron's film "Titanic" proved an outstanding success.RMS Olympic and HMHS Britannic are also reviewed together with the heroic rescue of stranded passengers from the hospital ship, Rohilla, which hit rocks in Whitby in October 1914 during a violent gale.The author has also written "Legacy of the Cunard Line" featuring the Lusitania, Mauretania, Aquitania, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and QE2 with other famous sea disasters: Empress of Ireland, SS Normandie, SS Andrea Doria & the history of SS Great Britain.
