The Myth of the Titanic: Centenary Edition by Richard Howells

by Richard Howells

The first critical analysis of the Titanic as a modern myth, this book focuses on the second of the two Titanics. The first was the physical Titanic, the rusting remains of which can still be found twelve thousand feet below the north Atlantic. The second is the mythical Titanic which emerged just as its tangible predecessor slipped from view on April 15, 1912. It is the second of the two Titanics which remains the more interesting and which continues to carry cultural resonances today. The Myth of the Titanic begins with the launching of the "unsinkable ship" and ends with the outbreak of the "war to end all wars." It provides an insight into the particular culture of late-Edwardian Britain and beyond this draws far greater conclusions about the complex relationship between myth, history, popular culture and society as a whole.

Genres: History

Unknown Binding

First published March 29, 1999

Reviews

[Tara A · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at fact, fiction, and myth about Titanic. To pique your interest: was Titanic ever really called unsinkable, or did that particular adjective only become popular after its sinking?

A bit like reading someone's graduate thesis, but overall filled with information any Titanic devotee will enjoy.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting but since I took long breaks I was not as interested in the end. I basically just finished it because I needed too. It'll be a great book to look at in the future if I'm randomly thinking about the titanic
3/5