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Titanic Landmark Series
On Board the Titanic: The Complete Story with Eyewitness Accounts
Based on firsthand accounts and published within weeks of the 1912 tragedy, this dramatic history stands as the most authoritative account of the great marine disaster. Illustrated by 43 vintage images, these reports from survivors form a complete history, from the ship's construction to the tragic aftermath of its sinking.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1912
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 10, 2014
I own an original copy of this book from 1912, purchased by my great-great-grandfather about month after the Titanic sank. It is notorious as an (edited) compendium of the inaccurate newspaper stories of the time. However, it captures the mood of the time and the impact of the event, and transformed me, at age 11, into a die-hard Titanic buff. (I've since been cured.)
April 24, 2012
A collection of firsthand accounts of heroism, etc. You can really see the class stereotypes. It focuses (naturally, even now we’d still focus on celebrities in a tragedy) on the aristocracy and higher class. Constantly says all steerage passengers were in state of panic, but never seems to imply that any of the rich were even worried. The men of the upper cases are portrayed utterly stoically. The stories about the women are interesting, some refusing to lose their husbands, some women refusing to row even to save themselves because they’d been beaten by a life of docility, while others threatening to throw the rowboat captains overboard if they didn’t start doing their jobs.
I gave it two stars because the book is a little helter-skelter. Its also inanely repetitive at times. And borders on magnificently boring, and there is little truth verification. But if you’re really interested in the history of the Titanic it’s a good read. Not a definitive, or even authoritative, work though. I had never really known anything about the Titanic previously though, and I learned a great deal on how the whole thing could have been easily avoided at any point. It really gets the blood boiling. People being stupid and arrogant is all it was.
This book was provided for free as an audiobook by Librivox.org. The reading was done excellently.
I gave it two stars because the book is a little helter-skelter. Its also inanely repetitive at times. And borders on magnificently boring, and there is little truth verification. But if you’re really interested in the history of the Titanic it’s a good read. Not a definitive, or even authoritative, work though. I had never really known anything about the Titanic previously though, and I learned a great deal on how the whole thing could have been easily avoided at any point. It really gets the blood boiling. People being stupid and arrogant is all it was.
This book was provided for free as an audiobook by Librivox.org. The reading was done excellently.
January 29, 2015
I listened to the Librivox recording (from a public domain book). It is primarily interesting for the construction of masculinity it contains. It is heavily of the opinion that “Women and children first”, which was apparently an order not usually given before this accident, is an example of Christian charity and European masculinity that should be lauded.
On the racial angle, Chinese people, black people, Italians and so on, in the book, simply don’t seem to understand why a white officer is threatening to shoot them in the face if they try and get on the lifeboats. On a deeper level, all of the rich men are offered places on the first boats. Most decline, but it does seem to be “Women, children and the very rich men first.” There’s a story of a black stoker who is shot because an officer thinks he is trying to sneak up on the radio operator to kill him and take his life preserver. This leads to the interesting and obvious question: why did this black crewman not have a life preserver already?
According to the author, men in disasters have a responsibility to die. Their method of death is highly circumscribed, as shown by the approval of one suicide, and the disapproval of another. The captain who, carried off the ship by a wave to within speaking distance of a lifeboat, chooses to return and go down with his vessel. He is a hero. The officer who, knowing that all of the women and children are gone and the lifeboats with them, chooses to end his life with a pistol is damnable. One has died bravely: one is a coward.
There’s a telling little piece where the author says five dogs and one pig were saved, carried as pets by women in their bags. The author says it seems wrong that a pig should live while brave men die, but, if one were reading uncharitably, dogs before men was just fine.
There’s even a concluding poem about how men died, but manhood died not.
The construction of manhood is, of course, wrapped around a construction of womanhood. Women go first because they are, according to the author, weak. It says women and children were offered places before men regardless of class or contribution to society, but that’s clearly not the case. Third class ticket holders and maids died disproportionately, and all of the bellboys were ordered not to enter the lifeboats, on the same pain of being shot as the rest of the crew.
Very little is expected of the women by the author. Women are said to have been “as heroic as the men who stayed behind” for rowing the lifeboats on those occasions when the crewmen became too tired to row (and thereby breached their duty as men). Men have a duty to die, but women seem to have a duty to passively endure. That they should make physical effort to save themselves is seen as remarkable: the author seems to believe they are incapable, for the most part of contributing to their rescue.
So, a complicated and disturbing piece, which shows quite clearly, among other things, the benefits of feminism to both genders.
This review originally appeared on
book coasters
On the racial angle, Chinese people, black people, Italians and so on, in the book, simply don’t seem to understand why a white officer is threatening to shoot them in the face if they try and get on the lifeboats. On a deeper level, all of the rich men are offered places on the first boats. Most decline, but it does seem to be “Women, children and the very rich men first.” There’s a story of a black stoker who is shot because an officer thinks he is trying to sneak up on the radio operator to kill him and take his life preserver. This leads to the interesting and obvious question: why did this black crewman not have a life preserver already?
According to the author, men in disasters have a responsibility to die. Their method of death is highly circumscribed, as shown by the approval of one suicide, and the disapproval of another. The captain who, carried off the ship by a wave to within speaking distance of a lifeboat, chooses to return and go down with his vessel. He is a hero. The officer who, knowing that all of the women and children are gone and the lifeboats with them, chooses to end his life with a pistol is damnable. One has died bravely: one is a coward.
There’s a telling little piece where the author says five dogs and one pig were saved, carried as pets by women in their bags. The author says it seems wrong that a pig should live while brave men die, but, if one were reading uncharitably, dogs before men was just fine.
There’s even a concluding poem about how men died, but manhood died not.
The construction of manhood is, of course, wrapped around a construction of womanhood. Women go first because they are, according to the author, weak. It says women and children were offered places before men regardless of class or contribution to society, but that’s clearly not the case. Third class ticket holders and maids died disproportionately, and all of the bellboys were ordered not to enter the lifeboats, on the same pain of being shot as the rest of the crew.
Very little is expected of the women by the author. Women are said to have been “as heroic as the men who stayed behind” for rowing the lifeboats on those occasions when the crewmen became too tired to row (and thereby breached their duty as men). Men have a duty to die, but women seem to have a duty to passively endure. That they should make physical effort to save themselves is seen as remarkable: the author seems to believe they are incapable, for the most part of contributing to their rescue.
So, a complicated and disturbing piece, which shows quite clearly, among other things, the benefits of feminism to both genders.
This review originally appeared on
book coasters
May 17, 2012
I thought this book was very informative, as well as emotional. I found myself in near tears when I was reading the first-hand accounts of the survivors of the "Titanic". Reading about what the survivors experienced made it seem more real and less like a boring historical event.
The only part I really disliked was the fact that it focuses more on the first-class then any other class. I also disliked the fact that all the men that went down with the "Titanic" was described as being heroic nad brave, while any men that were saved because they made their way on a lifeboat was seen as cowardly.
It is also important to note that because this book was written in 1912, only a few years after the sinking of the "Titanic" spme of the imformation that is printed has now been investigated and is realized to be false. The biggest is the number of ships that were in the region and could see the "Titanic'. New evidence has shown that some ships that were seen by the "Titanic" could not see the "Titanic" themselves because of the curvicular of the earth and refraction of light.
I would suggest this book to anyone that is interesting in the "Titanic", but I would also suggest reading more recent books, so false information can be cleared up.
The only part I really disliked was the fact that it focuses more on the first-class then any other class. I also disliked the fact that all the men that went down with the "Titanic" was described as being heroic nad brave, while any men that were saved because they made their way on a lifeboat was seen as cowardly.
It is also important to note that because this book was written in 1912, only a few years after the sinking of the "Titanic" spme of the imformation that is printed has now been investigated and is realized to be false. The biggest is the number of ships that were in the region and could see the "Titanic'. New evidence has shown that some ships that were seen by the "Titanic" could not see the "Titanic" themselves because of the curvicular of the earth and refraction of light.
I would suggest this book to anyone that is interesting in the "Titanic", but I would also suggest reading more recent books, so false information can be cleared up.
April 29, 2012
The title is deceiving -- this book is really only about the Titanic and its final hours through the eyes of its passengers/crew/rescuers. I really enjoyed it for that aspect. My kindle version did not include the images, so it just has broken code strewn throughout, but as I know the Titanic like the back of my hand, I didn't find it that dismaying.
The "great sea disasters" is merely a list of big disasters that occurred at sea since 1860, but not including the Maine (even though other warships were!). I think it's an interesting piece coloured with the sentiments of the time (very much stressing the "women and children" first, references to the "weaker sex"). I liked reading how much rumour surrounded everything after the disaster, which I had forgotten. Really a good read for any Titanic buff.
The "great sea disasters" is merely a list of big disasters that occurred at sea since 1860, but not including the Maine (even though other warships were!). I think it's an interesting piece coloured with the sentiments of the time (very much stressing the "women and children" first, references to the "weaker sex"). I liked reading how much rumour surrounded everything after the disaster, which I had forgotten. Really a good read for any Titanic buff.
April 11, 2014
The only issue I had with this book was that the author placed sole fault on Captain Smith for the sinking of Titanic which I believe to be totally inaccurate. While Captain Smith does bear some responsibility he should bear sole responsibility.
September 26, 2020
The Sinking of the Titanic: Thrilling Stories of Survivors with Photographs & Sketches by Logan Marshall was originally published in 1912, the year of the ship's sinking. I wonder if it has been in print for over a century, or if it is a recent reprint. I bought it during a trip to Halifax. It contained eyewitness accounts of the Titanic disaster as well as second-hand reports by passengers aboard the rescue ship Carpathia. While a certain degree of artistic licence has to be a part of any Hollywood production nonetheless I believe James Cameron's "Titanic" to be faithful to the testimonials in this book. I never realized the extent firearms played in the chaos that ensued as passengers tried to board lifeboats. I can only imagine that armed crewmen wouldn't be brandishing their weapons if a ship was sinking today.
The biggest surprise in these testimonials was the sense of calm among the women passengers. Couples were forced to separate as the rule "women and children first" applied at the time. Surviving wives--later widows--sitting safely in lifeboats told stories of waving to their husbands still on board. One might have expected the lifeboats to be filled with wailing children and screaming mothers, but they were silent. People were numbed by the action around them and their attention was transfixed on the sinking ship. People could only stare at it in silent awe. I think back to how I reacted when I watched both World Trade Center towers collapse: I sat at the TV silent and motionless. And so did the survivors aboard the lifeboats.
Only when the Carpathia arrived to pick up the lifeboats did the survivors rekindle their feelings of desperation. It was heartbreaking for me to read how survivors aboard the Carpathia "frantically rushed from one gangway to another eagerly scanning the fresh arrivals in the boats for a lost husband or brother" and how "Sad-eyed women roam aimlessly about the ship still looking vainly for husband, brother or father. To comfort them is impossible."
Biographical sketches were provided for some of the more notable passengers, plus lists of the survivors and deceased from the first and second cabins (classes). Some of the eyewitness accounts confirmed that the Titanic broke in two before sinking, although I don't think that fact was confirmed until the wreckage was found in 1985.
The biggest surprise in these testimonials was the sense of calm among the women passengers. Couples were forced to separate as the rule "women and children first" applied at the time. Surviving wives--later widows--sitting safely in lifeboats told stories of waving to their husbands still on board. One might have expected the lifeboats to be filled with wailing children and screaming mothers, but they were silent. People were numbed by the action around them and their attention was transfixed on the sinking ship. People could only stare at it in silent awe. I think back to how I reacted when I watched both World Trade Center towers collapse: I sat at the TV silent and motionless. And so did the survivors aboard the lifeboats.
Only when the Carpathia arrived to pick up the lifeboats did the survivors rekindle their feelings of desperation. It was heartbreaking for me to read how survivors aboard the Carpathia "frantically rushed from one gangway to another eagerly scanning the fresh arrivals in the boats for a lost husband or brother" and how "Sad-eyed women roam aimlessly about the ship still looking vainly for husband, brother or father. To comfort them is impossible."
Biographical sketches were provided for some of the more notable passengers, plus lists of the survivors and deceased from the first and second cabins (classes). Some of the eyewitness accounts confirmed that the Titanic broke in two before sinking, although I don't think that fact was confirmed until the wreckage was found in 1985.
April 6, 2012
I own 2 copies of this book - one that is very old, copyright 1912 by L.T. Myers. Stated on the inside cover, "A detailed and accurate account of the most awful marine disaster in history, constructed from the real facts as obtained from those on board who survived. Only Authoritative Book. Including: Records of previous great disasters of the sea, descriptions of the development of safety and life-saving appliances, a plain statement of the causes of such catastrophes and how to avoid them, the marvelous development of shipbuilding, etc. With a message of spiritual consolation by Rev. Henry Van Dyke, D.D. Edited by Logan Marshall, author of the 'Life of Theodore Roosevelt', etc. Illustrated with numerous authentic photographs and drawings.
The other, a newer copy, published in 1998, by Nimbus Publishing. This book gives accounts from many survivors, along with descriptions of the ship's construction and her maiden (and only) voyage. There is a publisher's note stating "Because the original edition of this book was published in 1912 before all of the information concerning the disaster had been verified, some inaccuracies appear in the text".
Of the many heroes in this tragedy, for me, was the members of the band who played to calm the panic felt by many passengers.
The other, a newer copy, published in 1998, by Nimbus Publishing. This book gives accounts from many survivors, along with descriptions of the ship's construction and her maiden (and only) voyage. There is a publisher's note stating "Because the original edition of this book was published in 1912 before all of the information concerning the disaster had been verified, some inaccuracies appear in the text".
Of the many heroes in this tragedy, for me, was the members of the band who played to calm the panic felt by many passengers.
October 8, 2019
This Titanic account was published the year the great ship went down, in 1912, so subsequent investigations have revealed facts not available so soon after the tragedy. The book does discuss the U.S. congressional hearings held months later, but, of course, cannot mention more recent findings like the inferior rivets holding the hull plates together. The tragedy was a perfect storm of moonless night, no binoculars provided for the crow's nest lookouts, an ignoring of iceberg warnings, a corporate wish to break a speed record across the Atlantic, onboard radio issues and the worst of all, only enough lifeboats for half the people on board.
I found the eyewitness accounts fascinating...so many tales of heroism and of cowardice. Some reveal a deep love causing wives to go down with their husbands. Some are absolutely heartbreaking, like the rescue ship finding the floating body of a woman still clutching the body of her baby to her chest.
This is the tragedy as the world knew it in 1912, so I find the book worthy of reading. Also, at times, the writing is almost poetic. It is a keeper for my library.
I found the eyewitness accounts fascinating...so many tales of heroism and of cowardice. Some reveal a deep love causing wives to go down with their husbands. Some are absolutely heartbreaking, like the rescue ship finding the floating body of a woman still clutching the body of her baby to her chest.
This is the tragedy as the world knew it in 1912, so I find the book worthy of reading. Also, at times, the writing is almost poetic. It is a keeper for my library.
December 26, 2014
Stories about the loftiness of the RMS Titanic have always baffled me. Although I've seen the movie, I have always been looking for reading materials on the sinking of the greatest vessel the world has ever seen.
I strongly believe one has a LOT to learn from the biggest maritime disaster in history.
Captain Rostron of Carpathia, the rescue ship, was asked why the Titanic had the same amount of life-boats as Carpathia, which was much smaller in size. To which he replied: The Titanic was supposed to be a life-boat itself!
The Titanic was also declared as Unsinkable. Interestingly, a survivor's account said that since she'd started her journey, her heart had been at unrest. She'd been repeating to her daughter and everyone else that when a ship was called unsinkable it was destined for doom.
However, few of the incidents mentioned here are doubtful and too fantastic.
A good read, nonetheless.
I strongly believe one has a LOT to learn from the biggest maritime disaster in history.
Captain Rostron of Carpathia, the rescue ship, was asked why the Titanic had the same amount of life-boats as Carpathia, which was much smaller in size. To which he replied: The Titanic was supposed to be a life-boat itself!
The Titanic was also declared as Unsinkable. Interestingly, a survivor's account said that since she'd started her journey, her heart had been at unrest. She'd been repeating to her daughter and everyone else that when a ship was called unsinkable it was destined for doom.
However, few of the incidents mentioned here are doubtful and too fantastic.
A good read, nonetheless.
August 9, 2009
If you're looking for a coherent and well reseached book on the Titanic and the events surrounding her sinking, this isn't it. This book, written the year of the sinking, is more propagandy than fact, focusing on the romance of the story and telling the great stories of heroism as conveyed by the survivors of the sinking. It was an okay, if disjointed read, with a lot of repetition as different witnesses retold the same events with slightly different accounts.
December 3, 2014
I've read much better written and more captivating books about the Titanic. I did learn some new things I hadn't previously known, but I wasn't crazy about the way this was edited and abridged. It felt like someone putting together select information to make a point their personally believed in, but that wasn't necessarily proven or even that compelling. It was just alright.
March 24, 2021
Comprehensive documentary and first hand tales of the Titanic and its demise. Harrowing tales of death and destruction as well as inspiring stories of both bravery and chivalry. A great read though very simple. The edition I read was a reprint from 1998; it was 350 pages long including 32 pages of pictures and illustrations.
April 4, 2018
Makes you feel like you are living in 1912
Since this book was derived from a 1912 edition, the book itself reads like a 1912 text. It is fascinating to read this account written so shortly after the tragedy took place!
Since this book was derived from a 1912 edition, the book itself reads like a 1912 text. It is fascinating to read this account written so shortly after the tragedy took place!
October 26, 2018
Great book! I liked how they included information from the Senate trial after the disaster. It was interesting to see the suggestions on how to avoid this from happening again. I also enjoyed the parts talking about Marconi’s wireless invention and how it saved lives.
March 2, 2025
A good friend who knows how much I'm fascinated by the Titanic disaster gave me this book--an actual first edition!!--as a Christmas gift. I wasn't really even expecting to open it (it's barely hanging by the binding threads and was in a plastic bag), but my 2nd grader did a report on the Titanic for school and I decided to open it up. I really loved it (even brown, with holes, and falling apart!) I've read other reviews that it's repetitive, and of course that's true because it interviews multiple people both on the Titanic and the rescuing ship Carapathia, so they're going to have similar tales, but from different perspectives. It's like the Rashomon of Titanic re-tellings. The author/editor's writing is beautiful and breathless and very very emotional, which makes total sense because this was written just months after the disaster. I think it's invaluable for getting some of the immediate reactions to the tragedy, although it's quite heartbreaking that hardly any survivors from third class were interviewed (and in fact, so many of them didn't make it as they didn't make it up to the top level of the ship before its sinking.)
The entire (lack of) involvement from the nearby (less than 20 miles) Californian is so odd and I really don't know what to take from those witness testimonies, except that i think they could have rescued many of those survivors and for whatever reason, the captain didn't think it was that major of a tragedy (and to be fair, I think the Titanic had many ice warnings, and apparently ignored them all).
Despite the lack of discernment about the ice warnings, Captain Smith seems to be a true hero (as do so many other first class men, like Maj Archie Butt and Col. Astor). Bruce Ismay, not so much. The lack of safety features, or fully functioning safety features--nuts. And I was quite inspired by the stories of the engineers (who basically all died) that put out/raked out fires that prevented more explosions during the sinking, probably buying an hour of time before the sinking and hundreds of lives. But in true Logan Marshall fashion, he seems to have some...eyewitness testimony? Flights of fancy? That the engineers banded together and knelt to pray before standing up heroically before drowning in the bowels of the ship. But no one would have seen that, so why include it? Just the work they did speaks for itself. A little too much color commentary there.
Also interesting that I think NONE of the kitchen staff made it safety. Just think how quickly that would have happened and where those folks were and how they couldn't have escaped. Tragic. The amount of third class passengers who probably didn't even realize what was happening because they were so far below the ship deck, also tragic. The band playing as the ship went down--incredibly heroic. The story continues to fascinate.
The entire (lack of) involvement from the nearby (less than 20 miles) Californian is so odd and I really don't know what to take from those witness testimonies, except that i think they could have rescued many of those survivors and for whatever reason, the captain didn't think it was that major of a tragedy (and to be fair, I think the Titanic had many ice warnings, and apparently ignored them all).
Despite the lack of discernment about the ice warnings, Captain Smith seems to be a true hero (as do so many other first class men, like Maj Archie Butt and Col. Astor). Bruce Ismay, not so much. The lack of safety features, or fully functioning safety features--nuts. And I was quite inspired by the stories of the engineers (who basically all died) that put out/raked out fires that prevented more explosions during the sinking, probably buying an hour of time before the sinking and hundreds of lives. But in true Logan Marshall fashion, he seems to have some...eyewitness testimony? Flights of fancy? That the engineers banded together and knelt to pray before standing up heroically before drowning in the bowels of the ship. But no one would have seen that, so why include it? Just the work they did speaks for itself. A little too much color commentary there.
Also interesting that I think NONE of the kitchen staff made it safety. Just think how quickly that would have happened and where those folks were and how they couldn't have escaped. Tragic. The amount of third class passengers who probably didn't even realize what was happening because they were so far below the ship deck, also tragic. The band playing as the ship went down--incredibly heroic. The story continues to fascinate.
July 3, 2019
За Титаник са написани много книги, но тази е първата !
Една история с трагичен край, белязала корабоплаването завинаги, която лично на мен ми е много интересна. Точно затова, веднага щом срещнах това заглавие, реших, че трябва да го имам !
Всички сме гледали филма за Титаник, писани са много книги относно тази умопомрачаваща трагедия, погубила животите на над 1500 човека, но повечето от тях са не особено обективни и с голяма доза художествена измислица.
Тази книга, обаче, е написана от Логан Маршал, известен автор от онова време, съвсем скоро след корабокрушението и е пълна с разказите на съвременници и очевидци на трагедията, което я прави уникална ! Потопих се в тази така мрачна история, "поглеждайки" през очите на хора, които са били на "Титаник", на такива, които са били на борда на "Карпатия" - корабът спасител или още наричан "корабът на вдовиците". Маршал се е постарал много всичко да бъде предадено по точен начин и не е спестил подробности.
През цялото време, през което четях книгата, изпитвах дълбоко чувство за несправедливост, тъга и гняв. Мисля, че всеки, който изпитва интерес към трагедията с "Титаник" трябва да прочете тази книга. Ще изпита емоция, която не може да бъде описана с думи. 📖
Една история с трагичен край, белязала корабоплаването завинаги, която лично на мен ми е много интересна. Точно затова, веднага щом срещнах това заглавие, реших, че трябва да го имам !
Всички сме гледали филма за Титаник, писани са много книги относно тази умопомрачаваща трагедия, погубила животите на над 1500 човека, но повечето от тях са не особено обективни и с голяма доза художествена измислица.
Тази книга, обаче, е написана от Логан Маршал, известен автор от онова време, съвсем скоро след корабокрушението и е пълна с разказите на съвременници и очевидци на трагедията, което я прави уникална ! Потопих се в тази така мрачна история, "поглеждайки" през очите на хора, които са били на "Титаник", на такива, които са били на борда на "Карпатия" - корабът спасител или още наричан "корабът на вдовиците". Маршал се е постарал много всичко да бъде предадено по точен начин и не е спестил подробности.
През цялото време, през което четях книгата, изпитвах дълбоко чувство за несправедливост, тъга и гняв. Мисля, че всеки, който изпитва интерес към трагедията с "Титаник" трябва да прочете тази книга. Ще изпита емоция, която не може да бъде описана с думи. 📖
March 9, 2018
Somehow this first edition volume was passed along and ended up on my shelf; the name written in the front was "A. Sleight", my great great grandfather. Since it was published in the same year the Titanic went down, it is filled with immediate reports from survivors and witnesses on the rescue ship Carpathia, as well as a trail of untrue news reports that went out as reporters raced to be the first to report breaking news. I especially liked hearing quotes from Marconi, the inventor of the telegraph, which was vital in sending the distress signal that ultimately would bring help to those who were lucky enough to get into a lifeboat. One chapter is devoted to a list of major sea disasters; made me realize that at the time, there were no flights, so anyone travelling between Europe and the US, or Asia and Australia...everyone went by boat. Accordingly, there were many lives lost in multiple disasters. But still, the Titanic took everyone by surprise, because they truly thought it was unsinkable.
October 14, 2020
I listened to this via loyalbooks.com as a podcast. The reader was good, however, her southern accent was distracting at times. She did try to perform an English accent for Bruce J. Islay, which wasn't great. Overall, I enjoyed listening to this. A different perspective for sure since the material was written just after the sinking. It was sad to hear the classes were so prevalent then, and the 3rd class passengers names of people lost, were not even known... there were so many of them. Also, the fact that women and children were allowed to go first and so many families lost fathers, husbands and sons was so sad, although they probably never would have had enough life boats for everyone. I have saved a few of these Titanic books, and love to see the different perspectives. Overall, a good listen.
January 9, 2022
This is another one of the countless compilations of survivor accounts that have been published on the topic. It's somewhat extensive and could be picked up by someone new to the subject matter, in my opinion.
The formatting of the text (especially in relation to the subtitles) was really frustrating, but that might have just been the edition I had. The editor seemed to think it was appropriate to add subtitles in the middle of paragraphs and then not restate to whom a general pronoun was referring (ex. starting a new section off with "he").
Formatting aside, the actual meat of the text was good, although probably nothing you wouldn't have learned from any other collection of accounts.
It also gets my respect for paying Jack Thayer Jr.'s account a good amount of attention.
The formatting of the text (especially in relation to the subtitles) was really frustrating, but that might have just been the edition I had. The editor seemed to think it was appropriate to add subtitles in the middle of paragraphs and then not restate to whom a general pronoun was referring (ex. starting a new section off with "he").
Formatting aside, the actual meat of the text was good, although probably nothing you wouldn't have learned from any other collection of accounts.
It also gets my respect for paying Jack Thayer Jr.'s account a good amount of attention.
November 11, 2020
The book had some great information from the survivors but it was a bit repetitive as well as very sexist. If you were a male and you survived over and over again in the book they were called cowards because they didn't die at sea. The other part that rubbed me the wrong way was when the women who survived came off the ship to the landing where the reporters were standing they had to report that the women didn't have their hats on. They just survived a huge event and that's what was reported on?
It was great to hear the stories but in the end the book could have been cut in half since it felt I was reading the same thing over and over again.
It was great to hear the stories but in the end the book could have been cut in half since it felt I was reading the same thing over and over again.
October 16, 2020
More commemorative than authoritative, this is an easy to read, contemporary accounting of the most iconic disaster due to human negligence.
This book reads like a slow marching horror novel, where you ultimately know the ending, but can't stop reading.
The original 1912 edition is absolutely beautiful, but there is an excellent digital edition available on Google Books for just a couple dollars.
This book reads like a slow marching horror novel, where you ultimately know the ending, but can't stop reading.
The original 1912 edition is absolutely beautiful, but there is an excellent digital edition available on Google Books for just a couple dollars.
November 21, 2020
eye enjoyed reading the book. it was the only book where the truth about how third class passengers and Negroes and Chinese was treated, during the chaos of the sinking. It also details how class played a role in getting save first. My dear Auntee, Melinda Borden was aboard the titanic. She was unlisted and a negro. This book is the only one eye could find admitting that negro was on board. Nice job.
February 11, 2021
During the pandemic I've found myself drawn to tales of disaster and survival. This fit the bill. The book is a compilation of stories from 1912, so the tone is not current. Many reviews are critical of this, but I find it interesting.
At a certain point the book started to get repetitive. The same instances were told from different points of view. I'd read enough to satisfy and put it down.
At a certain point the book started to get repetitive. The same instances were told from different points of view. I'd read enough to satisfy and put it down.
November 13, 2020
An interesting listening. Very detailed and minucious book, it focuses on how to avoid another tragedy of these proportions. I have learned several things on the matter, like there was an unextinguished fire throughout the whole trip and that there were twelve newly-wed couples and only the husband of one of them got to save himself from the disaster.
April 9, 2023
Edited newspaper articles. Great photos and speculative thoughts on the fire in the coal storage room. A lot of time spent on the post accident press. Nice little book to help understand the different stories that came from the survivors. Not crazy compelling but fun. Wish more time was spent on the editors thoughts. Good edition to a Titanic literary collection.
November 29, 2017
Really get a feeling of being there (I know that’s silly) since these are accounts from people that WERE there. I like the way of the language from that time, a bit formal and... classy I suppose. It was written in 1912. The year Titanic sank. Highly recommend if you’re a Titanic fan.
December 31, 2020
This is a great collection of original source material. It includes survivor accounts and events as they were received at the time. Plus, it includes a treatise, of the time, of what went wrong and regulations to prevent it from happening again.
November 10, 2025
Very detailed, although, I’m not sure how accurate it is. With the way the information is presented, it often doesn’t sound verified. Also quite repetitive and in all honesty, a bit boring. It doesn’t flow well, imo.
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