Return to Titanic

by Robert D. Ballard, Michael Sweeney

This compelling, illustrated book is a journey back in time to the tragic sinking of the Titanic in 1912; a hard look at the present salvaging and natural deterioration of the wreck; and a blueprint for future conservation of this icon. Says Ballard, "every possible book has been written on the Titanic, and Titanic addicts have them all. They will not have this." RETURN TO TITANIC brings new dimension, visually and factually. First, the incomparable hi-tech cameras Ballard created to document wrecks on the Mediterranean seafloor in summer 2003 will be used to reveal the changes in Titanic since the first images were made by National Geographic in 1985. Second, he will analyze the salvaging of the wreck by private groups, as well as the natural deterioration since 1985; finally he will establish the global conservation ethos that this and other wrecks be revered as "pyramids of the deep," rather than ransacked. TITANIC has 5 chapters in 192 pages, with 125 images, diagrams, and maps. Images will include period pictures and drawings from the early 1900s, pictures of the 1985 discovery of the wreck, and modern images, culminating in the hi-tech images of the June 2004 expedition.TITANIC is ghost-authored by award-winning historian and journalist Mike Sweeney, whose books for National Geographic include From the Front and America on the Move. Sweeney is a first-rate storyteller whose "can't-put-it-down" narrative is peppered with eye-opening anecdotes. For Titanic the anecdotes are endless. Sweeney's deft hand combines with Ballard's own intriguing story of discovery, his masterminding of robots and hi-definition cameras to document the wreck, and his commitment to conservation in the 21stcentury. The human element plays a big part in RETURN TO TITANIC, as Ballard and Sweeney clarify that technology and conservation are but means to preserving the spirits of the humans lost in the tragedy. Sidebars throughout, identify the artifacts of survivors, such as letters, watches, clothing, and tell their stories.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Historical, Biography, Photography, Adult

192 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2004

About the author

Robert Duane Ballard (born June 30, 1942 in Wichita, Kansas) is a former commander in the United States Navy and an oceanographer who is most noted for his work in underwater archaeology. He is most famous for the discoveries of the wrecks of the RMS Titanic in 1985, the battleship Bismarck in 1989, and the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown in 1998. Most recently he discovered the wreck of John F. Kennedy's PT-109 in 2003 and visited the Solomon Islander natives who saved its crew. Ballard is also great-grandson of American Old West lawman Bat Masterson.

from wikipedia.org

see also
http://literati.net/Ballard/
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/fie...
http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/pa...

Reviews

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a children’s book on the Titanic by Bob Ballard back in 1986 and recently wondered if he had similar adult books. I found this one at the library.

The book is chock-full of photographs on glossy paper. The focus of the book is exploration of the wreckage with just a brief overview of the disaster itself. It covers Dr. Ballard’s 1986 exploration, subsequent international visitors that have damaged the wreck, and Dr. Ballard’s 2004 visit. He condemns salvagers disrespecting this graveyard, and I agree with his view.

Dr. Ballard goes into detail of the imaging technology and exploration vehicles; he compares the wreck to others he’s found and investigated. 2004 was a while ago now; it’s about time for another book. I guess it was fitting I finished the book on the anniversary of the sinking.

Here Dr. Ballard commemorates the 100th anniversary of the tragedy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q3eA...

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[Aleigha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was by far the best book on Titanic I have read so far. When reading you could really feel how much Robert D. Ballard loves and respects Titanic. That was one of the things that made the book enjoyable when describing his experiences visiting Titanic I can almost feel his excitement as he talked about the things he saw.

They returned to Titanic in 1986 and 2004 then compare the difference over those years of life at the bottom of the sea and sadly year of unauthorized visits from people who just want to salvage items. I found this honestly fascinating and if they would go back 2022 to see what more has happened I would love to read a follow-up book.

[Ann Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning book. This book will leave you thinking for weeks afterward.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more along the lines of what I wanted to read in my Titanic books. Not that I didn't gain a lot of information from the others or enjoy historical fiction, but this nonfiction book dealt with what first began my obsession--the discovery of the shipwreck. As a child I remember being fascinated when I saw my Dad's National Geographic full of pictures of the underwater ship. I cannot explain the fascination, but I found myself just as fascinated with this book and seeing great pictures they took on Ballard's return trip in 2004. So nice that technology was able to make this trip better as far as documentation.

Much more history, technology, and science than I would typically go for, but I liked it in the book. It helped explain some things for me and I felt like a more knowledgeable armchair explorer as I read. Ballard is all for respect and preservation and not taking original things from the ship. I didn't realize that over 6,000 items have been salvaged/stolen from the wreck site. I also didn't know the submersibles used by salvagers had caused damage. Though Ballard was obviously making his case for preservation, he didn't immediately sway me. I wanted to come up with my own opinion, and was happy that his book made it more informed. I like the points he made. I agree with almost all of them. But various parts of my fascination have me disagree in just the slightest manner, and only to a slight extent.

He mentioned so many different things they saw and filmed--not all could be included in the book. So now I really want to go search those things out and feed the hungrier part of my fascination. I hope they're available on the Internet! How awful to have missed the live broadcast during their expedition. It was during the college years of my life, and I kind of forgot that a world existed around me during that time. If I'd heard of the broadcast, I would definitely have been tuned in!

[Eileen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. This book is more about the vehicles used to explore the Titanic than about the titanic itself. The photos are mostly of things you can't make out what they are and of the equipment used in the exploration. Much of the book is a soap box for Ballard to proclaim his views about protecting the site while his team seems to claim ownership. He talks about making sure not to throw trash overboard near the site so as not to disturb this memorial.... How about not throwing trash into the ocean at all?? In the end he ends up throwing his hat into the water so "Titanic could have it" ??? This book seemed like a way for Ballard to say "look how great I am", "oh look I cut my finger while installing a new tether and here's a stupid photo of my bleeding finger". Worst titanic book I've read, it won't be staying on my shelf.

[دينا جمال بدر]

I loved this book a lot when I read it, because it is full of illustrations since the discovery of the Titanic in 1985 with the modest technology at the time - although it is certainly the best - until the date of its release with the excellent technology that showed the state of the wreck and its deterioration with time.

[Sean Vaughn McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing I haven’t read before or seen in a documentary, but for anyone very interested in the Titanic as it exists now, the pictures are captivating and Robert Ballard is still the one to beat as far as knowledge of underwater exploration of the famous disaster site.

[Judy Tarver · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many Titanic books and most of them give a lot of the same pictures and interviews from people who survived, etc. but this book stands out as a unique one by someone who actually researched and went to the site so I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in this famous ship.

[Stephanie Snodgrass-Chenoweth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed more pictures

[Liz F · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful look inside the discovery of the Titanic and a new perspective on how to view this artifact; for those who died on the Titanic, this is their resting place.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sinking of the Titanic has always fascinated me. I loved being able to read about the first trip and many other trips down to she wear she lays. They show a contrast from the first trip down in 1985 to the author's next trip in 2003. I am just so amazed at the technology that we are blessed with to be able to have people go down to 13,000 ft. in a submersible for hours and come out alive and with pictures and video. The pictures were beautiful and also haunting. The best part is that now, because of the efforts of the author and those like him, the Titanic and other sunken vessels are being protected from further unnatural damages and scavengers. The story of her maiden voyage is tragic but the ship still lives on. This book was also published by National Geographic.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a Titanic fan as I. I would suggest adding this beautiful photographic book that Robert Ballard put together. Robert Ballard was the one who took on the expedition to find this one beautiful and unique vessel. The books shows it current condition and the deterioration the ship is enduring because of the ocean's harsh elements. Though it has withstood the father time, she is deteriorating to the point where she will no longer be around. Ballard's efforts to save what he can is illustrated in this book. The books shows wonderful sharp photographs and is a great coffee table book or a collectors item to put on the shelf.

I highly recommend it to those love the mystique of a vessel that may never be built again.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nearly 20 years after Dr. Ballard discovered the Titanic in 1985, he returns to the great ship to take even more in-depth photos, and discuss the rate of deterioration caused by subsequent divers not taking the proper care upon landing.

[Becky Galambos · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent overview of the wreck and the dangers posed to it by people and nature. Starts with the initial discovery and goes up to the mid 2000's with exploration and beautiful, sometimes haunting color photos.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tells what happened in the decades since the discovery of the wreck. Documents damage done to the ship as the result of scavengers and site seers. Great photographs.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rehashes alot of the same old data; however, Ballard makes a striking argument about how the ship is rapidly deteriorating due to our interference at the ocean's bottom.

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wrote a review here: http://www.learntodivetoday.co.za/blo...

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with Titanic. Not the movie, but the actual ship. I have read several books and seen documentaries. This book didn't share much I didn't already know, but the images were breathtaking.

[Amanda Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this as well. I'd like to see a ten year update, especially since salvage has had some hiccups.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this very interesting

[RumBelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Ballard's writing, he is so knowledgeable about his subject, yet he has a humor and an ease which draws you in and keeps you interested. This book chronicles his discovery, exploration and efforts at conserving the Titanic. He goes into such detail, especially about how the wreck was explored, and what the ROV pilots had to do to observe and document it. The level of science, and history described is fascinating.