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The Last Night on the Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining, and Style
“Veronica Hinke has taken a story that we all know so well and interwoven delicious recipes that are historic and old, but classic and worthy of any modern-day table. She has unearthed a vibrant culinary subtext that often left me breathless and dreamy-eyed. She skillfully captures the magical avor of a fascinating era in our history. Two spatulas raised in adulation.” — CHEF ART SMITH , James Beard award winner, Top Chef Masters contestant, former personal chef to Oprah Winfrey
April 14, 1912. It was an unforgettable night. In the last hours before the Titanic struck
the iceberg, passengers in all classes were enjoying unprecedented luxuries. Innovations in food, drink, and de´cor made this voyage the apogee of Edwardian elegance.
Veronica Hinke’s painstaking research and deft touch bring the Titanic’s tragic but eternally glamorous maiden voyage back to life. In addition to stirring accounts of individual tragedy and survival, The Last Night on the Titanic offers tried-and-true recipes, newly invented styles, and classic cocktails to reproduce a glittering world of sophistication at sea. Readers will
April 14, 1912. It was an unforgettable night. In the last hours before the Titanic struck
the iceberg, passengers in all classes were enjoying unprecedented luxuries. Innovations in food, drink, and de´cor made this voyage the apogee of Edwardian elegance.
Veronica Hinke’s painstaking research and deft touch bring the Titanic’s tragic but eternally glamorous maiden voyage back to life. In addition to stirring accounts of individual tragedy and survival, The Last Night on the Titanic offers tried-and-true recipes, newly invented styles, and classic cocktails to reproduce a glittering world of sophistication at sea. Readers will
320 pages, Hardcover
Published April 2, 2019
30 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 9, 2021
I've never thought I'd ever say this about a non fiction about the Titanic, but I was fun. Now obviously not the fateful collision with the the iceberg, that's not fun at all. No but all the parties, people and excessive amounts of food and booze. That was very entertaining to read about, but obviously makes the tragic end even more sad. Veronica Hinks knows a lot about the Titanic and writes which such talent that it's very interesting, well written and entertaining.
April 5, 2019
This book was SO good that I couldn't put it down. It is written in such a captivating way that you'll want to keep reading. The amount of research that I can tell went into this, and attention to detail is so evident. This book isn't just about food or just about the Titanic...it is so much more. I learned tons about the history, culture, and people of that time. This is definitely a book you'll want to have (and to try some of the cool recipes interspersed throughout the book!)
July 18, 2019
4.5 stars for The Last Night on the Titanic
I am a history nut for the early 1900s, and the Titanic falls in line for one of my guilty pleasures. The opulence, the glamour; I just eat it all up. The Last Night on the Titanic checked off all my boxes without question. I got to learn about the fashions, the foods and cocktails that the passengers were drinking, which made reading this book that much more immersive of an experience. Yes, you cannot escape the tragedy that was the sinking, but I enjoyed reading about more than just the tragedy. Hinke, by including all these details about the food and the style of all the passengers made those who perished come across that much more human. These were people with lives and families, with likes and dislikes, preferences and style, and the inclusion of these details made this book that much more special. I learned more from this than any other Titanic book I've read. Even my parents who never read were picking the book up when I was not reading it, and that's saying something! The only disappointing aspect of The Last Night on the Titanic was the editing in the latter half of the book felt a bit lax. There were multiple dates that were incorrect, such as incidents regarding passengers occurring in 2018. Other than that, this book was everything I've ever wanted. Now I got to start saving up money to some day dine at Delmonicos in New York and for drinks at at least 2 hotels.
I am a history nut for the early 1900s, and the Titanic falls in line for one of my guilty pleasures. The opulence, the glamour; I just eat it all up. The Last Night on the Titanic checked off all my boxes without question. I got to learn about the fashions, the foods and cocktails that the passengers were drinking, which made reading this book that much more immersive of an experience. Yes, you cannot escape the tragedy that was the sinking, but I enjoyed reading about more than just the tragedy. Hinke, by including all these details about the food and the style of all the passengers made those who perished come across that much more human. These were people with lives and families, with likes and dislikes, preferences and style, and the inclusion of these details made this book that much more special. I learned more from this than any other Titanic book I've read. Even my parents who never read were picking the book up when I was not reading it, and that's saying something! The only disappointing aspect of The Last Night on the Titanic was the editing in the latter half of the book felt a bit lax. There were multiple dates that were incorrect, such as incidents regarding passengers occurring in 2018. Other than that, this book was everything I've ever wanted. Now I got to start saving up money to some day dine at Delmonicos in New York and for drinks at at least 2 hotels.
April 1, 2019
I was intrigued! The author wove heart-breaking and inspiring tales of individuals with historical facts, recipes, and mores of the time period in a fascinating read. I loved hearing of the background, motives, actions and outcome of the passengers of that legendary ship. Her research was precise and given to us on a appetizing table of identifying with each character. I strongly suggest anyone who enjoys history, the fashions of the Edwardian period and learning about the character of true individuals read and let the authors words mull in your memory. Very nicely written! Enjoyable to read! Oh, yes, a must for those who participate in the culinary arts. Ms Hinke dedicated this to her "Mom and Dad". How proud they must be.
April 5, 2019
"The Last Night on the Titanic" is a wonderful read! Being a "Foodie", I love seeing the recipes and learning the inspiration behind them. I have several I'm going to add to my recipe box. I find the survivor stories and histories of those whose lives were lost at sea to be both joyous and tragic. Veronica has done an amazing job researching and authoring her book. She is a gifted writer. This is definitely a must read! "
November 15, 2019
Needed additional editing for typos, misspellings, and frequently repeated phrases. It also sometimes was too tangential. Still had interesting stories and recipes though.
May 22, 2021
This book has some problems. The first big and noticeable problem is the number of typos that riddle the entire book, from misspelled words to missing words to literally giving someone the wrong last name.
The structure of the book is strange, the chapter names sometimes difficult to connect with the chapter content, and it's very clear which part of the book was derived from her original Titanic cocktail article. The first half or so is fairly engaging, with interesting recipes and lifestyle facts about the Era, but it moves into just straight up survivor recollections about the sinking toward the end, which are more difficult to connect to recipes.
The book is best when it discusses the time period with a good combination of facts and recipes. 'Gilded Lives, Fatal Voyage' gave a more intimate look into the lives of the first class passengers, and 'Last Dinner on the Titanic' gave a lot more information about food and recipes on the Titanic.
This book is interesting for its more modern approach, referencing blog posts, recommending YouTube to look up certain songs, and making the information accessible to a modern reader. She does some unnecessary explanation but makes an accessible read for about any audience.
Also, the book is beautiful. The cover art, the size, the decorations on the pages and overall style make for a very attractive book. Sometimes it's just a little more style over substance.
The structure of the book is strange, the chapter names sometimes difficult to connect with the chapter content, and it's very clear which part of the book was derived from her original Titanic cocktail article. The first half or so is fairly engaging, with interesting recipes and lifestyle facts about the Era, but it moves into just straight up survivor recollections about the sinking toward the end, which are more difficult to connect to recipes.
The book is best when it discusses the time period with a good combination of facts and recipes. 'Gilded Lives, Fatal Voyage' gave a more intimate look into the lives of the first class passengers, and 'Last Dinner on the Titanic' gave a lot more information about food and recipes on the Titanic.
This book is interesting for its more modern approach, referencing blog posts, recommending YouTube to look up certain songs, and making the information accessible to a modern reader. She does some unnecessary explanation but makes an accessible read for about any audience.
Also, the book is beautiful. The cover art, the size, the decorations on the pages and overall style make for a very attractive book. Sometimes it's just a little more style over substance.
October 2, 2019
It took me ages to read this book - but I enjoyed every minute of it! It's a difficult book if you want to get through it quickly, because there is just so much information within it, but it really should be read deliberately, to fully appreciate it. The author has truly immersed themselves in the subject matter, and there are so many stories-within-stories, and interesting connections here. There are menus, recipes, and lots of interesting snippets of information on those who survived, and those who didn't survive the sinking of the Titanic. It's so much more than just what happened on that last night; the author meticulously researched every aspect of the ship, the crew, and the passengers, and presented them with wit and humor. The book had a place at my kitchen table, and I would read about the sumptuous décor, the fascinating people, and the rich food whilst eating my own meals. I heartily recommend it to anyone interested in that tragic event, in that period of time, or food in general. You won't be disappointed.
April 5, 2019
Immersed in this intriguing book, i found Veronica Hinke’s excellent grasp of writing, meticulous research and twenty-page bibliography as impressive as what she raised to the surface within myself. The book is a treasure-trove collection of ‘lost’ recipes of epicurian dining and cuisine from the finest chefs and hotels of the Edwardian Era and Guilded Age. These are interwoven with bright portrayals of people and lifestyles of all persuasions who were on board the Titanic. I am not sure whether to file this masterpiece with my culinary books or on my ‘ancient waterways society’ research shelves. Veronica’s scholarly ability brings to life and raises the ship’s wondrous people, recipes, lifestyle and diverse mix of social classes into our contemporary lives, most certainly to Downton Abby devotees such as myself. . I hope many of you will find this book equally delightful and will be longing to board passage on the author’s next sail.
October 1, 2019
Fascinating study of life aboard the Titanic! Using stories of famous and not-so-famous passengers Veronica Hinke goes into great detail bringing the saga of the Titanic to life. From sumptuous dinners in first class to life for those in steerage, she weaves a story filled with both glory and pathos. Containing menus, recipes and cocktails, she sets the stage for the romance and spectacle of life aboard the world's greatest ocean liner and sadly, the horror of the night it met its untimely end in the cold waters of the Atlantic. This book sets the record straight on many false stories perpetuated through the decades since the sinking and gives background on the lives of those who survived and those who perished in the sinking. A poignant, bittersweet, yet lavish account of a fateful night.
May 16, 2019
This book put me right there on the Titanic with lush descriptions of passengers clothing and the dining quarters etc. One learned how real individuals acted with bravery or selfishly . It was surprising how some were not worried at all and just sat finishing their card games. The menus for the different classes aboard were fascinating as well and were written with such detail that anyone could follow them.
I hadn’t know that the captain was trying to break a speed record with this new ship and wonder if they had been going slower the ice berg might have been spotted. This was a very enjoyable and informative read that I highly recommend.
I hadn’t know that the captain was trying to break a speed record with this new ship and wonder if they had been going slower the ice berg might have been spotted. This was a very enjoyable and informative read that I highly recommend.
December 8, 2019
Actual rating: 2.5 stars. Honestly, I was hoping for a different book. The Titanic is only tangentially talked about in this book. We do get a lot of great tidbits and trivia facts throughout the book, but I thought the book would focus more on the Titanic and what it's last night was like. Yes, it could be expanded upon like Hinke does in the book, but the focus would be on the Titanic. Also, the book felt a little unbalanced. So much attention is given to first class versus third class.
September 23, 2019
I enjoyed this book but the editing could have been better. What bothered me most was the organization of the book. Facts were repeated, it jumped all around and the ending was disjointed. Had great potential, failed in execution.
January 21, 2020
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
I have read multiple books on the Titanic, viewed multiple museum collections, and watched multiple documentaries - so I am certainly interested in the topic. Most of what was contained in this book, I had read or seen elsewhere but it was still interesting to hear the stories of the passengers of that fateful night and their fate. This, I found, to be the most enjoyable part of the book. There are recipes interspersed through the chapters and some of the recipes are contained as entire chapters. This, in my opinion, interrupted the flow of the book. Perhaps, this would have been easier if I had a hardcopy of the book and was not listening to it, as listening to a recipe being read is, overall, not very stimulating and can cause you to tune out a bit.
The narrator, Gary Chambers, was fine - although I did find his pace a bit slow. I ended up speeding up the narration.
I have read multiple books on the Titanic, viewed multiple museum collections, and watched multiple documentaries - so I am certainly interested in the topic. Most of what was contained in this book, I had read or seen elsewhere but it was still interesting to hear the stories of the passengers of that fateful night and their fate. This, I found, to be the most enjoyable part of the book. There are recipes interspersed through the chapters and some of the recipes are contained as entire chapters. This, in my opinion, interrupted the flow of the book. Perhaps, this would have been easier if I had a hardcopy of the book and was not listening to it, as listening to a recipe being read is, overall, not very stimulating and can cause you to tune out a bit.
The narrator, Gary Chambers, was fine - although I did find his pace a bit slow. I ended up speeding up the narration.
April 17, 2024
First things first: Veronica Hinke, you need to get yourself a better editor. Some typos made me reread entire pages because there was a screwed-up date or something along those lines.
But now to the actual contents of the book:
Ever since I was little, I have had a deep fascination with the Titanic. This is such a great addition to the countless amount of historical accounts of the ship and its sinking. While I would have loved to see more recipes scattered throughout the book, the ones that are given are mostly well integrated with the rest of the text. Each anecdote makes the entire book feel like ghost stories around the campfire. I wish there was more about the third-class passengers but Popcorn Dan's story makes up for that in some ways.
The Titanic has become such a spectacle over the century since its demise that we need more pieces like "The Last Night on the Titanic" to humanize it. Over 1,500 souls perished that awful night and this book ensures that at least some of those souls are not completely lost to the sea.
But now to the actual contents of the book:
Ever since I was little, I have had a deep fascination with the Titanic. This is such a great addition to the countless amount of historical accounts of the ship and its sinking. While I would have loved to see more recipes scattered throughout the book, the ones that are given are mostly well integrated with the rest of the text. Each anecdote makes the entire book feel like ghost stories around the campfire. I wish there was more about the third-class passengers but Popcorn Dan's story makes up for that in some ways.
The Titanic has become such a spectacle over the century since its demise that we need more pieces like "The Last Night on the Titanic" to humanize it. Over 1,500 souls perished that awful night and this book ensures that at least some of those souls are not completely lost to the sea.
May 6, 2025
Although I enjoyed this book, it does come with a 'but.' I am in no way that knowledgeable about Titanic, but I have read several books about what happened and therefore I found this easy enough to negotiate. However, if you have not read any books about Titanic before, I am unsure this is a good place to start. The author tends to skip about and some of the things included have quite tenuous links. So, some of the recipes included do link to things offered on board the ship, or relate to passengers or crew. However, when the link to bangers and mash involves a pub in Ireland located where Titanic sailed past, it seems to stretch things a little.
That said, I did like this. It's a fun look at the food, the fashions, the style of the Edwardian era. It's respectful of those who were involved and you can sense the author's enthusiasm for the subject she is writing about.
That said, I did like this. It's a fun look at the food, the fashions, the style of the Edwardian era. It's respectful of those who were involved and you can sense the author's enthusiasm for the subject she is writing about.
August 23, 2023
The Last Night of the Titanic is a book that will stay with you long after it is finished. It is a melange of food, drink, culture and social customs and conventions of life in 1912 when the Titanic embarked on her maiden and only voyage. It is a fascinating story of life at the turn of the century told through the eyes of the wealthy, middle class and working class. What makes this book different from other Titanic books are the personal stories of those who survived and those who perished, whether they were first class passengers (Molly Brown), crew (head baker Charles Joughin) or steerage (Popcorn Dan). The author has made the survivors and victims of the Titanic come alive with compelling personal stories of happiness and tragedy. Truly a book not to be missed.
April 7, 2019
Veronica Hinke said it best; “The Mystique surrounding the RMS Titanic - a tragedy in its own time and beyond - continues into the modern age.” I am continually amazed by the story of Titanic. Veronica gives us a great insight into another side of the story that is rarely talked about; the food and beverages served during that time on the luxurious ship. She ties in the historical back stories of some of the most well known passengers so well that I can practically smell and taste the recipes through the pages. The photographs throughout make the book hauntingly exceptional. This is a must read for any Titanic aficionado and food and drink fan!
April 8, 2019
The Last Night on the Titanic by Veronica Hinke is an entertaining and well researched book about the history of the voyage told through the foodways of the time. The book is gorgeous, evoking the style of the era and feature menus from all of the ship’s classes, not just for the first class passengers.
The author also uses food and cocktail recipes from the Titanic as a jumping off point to create a broader picture of the history of passengers on the ship and the history of life during the era. I especially enjoyed the vintage cocktail recipes and I’m looking forward to making some including the Bronx and the Rob Roy.
The author also uses food and cocktail recipes from the Titanic as a jumping off point to create a broader picture of the history of passengers on the ship and the history of life during the era. I especially enjoyed the vintage cocktail recipes and I’m looking forward to making some including the Bronx and the Rob Roy.
April 6, 2019
I'm only a bit past Chapter 1 in this new read and the stories, historic references and recipes have me eager to plan a theme party! Veronica Hinke has a way of blending historic fact with flair that keeps you reading, and the splash of recipes throughout are perfectly timed, brief diversions, that actually do well to bridge you back to the story, like a lovely sorbet between courses. This book is a keeper.
May 26, 2019
If you thought that there couldn't possibly be anything new to learn about the Titanic disaster, think again. This is a very well researched and informative book with a unique premise of telling the story of the Titanic through what the passengers ate and drank while on board. There are so many new and interesting stories about those on board that I had never heard before. Great for anyone with an interest in the Titanic, history, and cooking.
September 6, 2019
The Last Night on the Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining, and Style
Veronica Hinke
This book pretty much covers the same materials most Titanic books cover. However it is the first book that I've found that offers recipes for food and drink that was probably been served on-board the Titanic.
The narration was well done, by Gary J. Chambers.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Veronica Hinke
This book pretty much covers the same materials most Titanic books cover. However it is the first book that I've found that offers recipes for food and drink that was probably been served on-board the Titanic.
The narration was well done, by Gary J. Chambers.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 20, 2019
Audible:Wow!Who knew?! Not me. This was very interesting for the most part.There were boring recipes for drinks that I didn't pay much attention to.I enjoyed the glimpse into what was served wher and who said what to whom at the very last minute.We will never get enough of the Titanics stories.Gary J. Chambers was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
February 21, 2024
As some of my friends know, the Ultimate World Cruise is my Roman Empire for 2024 so I thought it'd be nice to read something about *another* infamous cruise
I love the way that recipes for food and beverage are interspersed between the stories of the passengers and crew along with photos and surviving materials. I learned a LOT of new factoids about the Titanic--like, no one ever told me they had their own printer for daily menus--and highly rec for a casual, and informative read
I love the way that recipes for food and beverage are interspersed between the stories of the passengers and crew along with photos and surviving materials. I learned a LOT of new factoids about the Titanic--like, no one ever told me they had their own printer for daily menus--and highly rec for a casual, and informative read
April 23, 2019
this is a great book for looking back into the lives of the rich and famous and what they ate. Interesting anecdotes interspersed with culinary recipes that invite you to dine vicariously, on the last voyage of the doomed ship. If you get to choose your last meal, this is the menu for you.
March 22, 2020
Mixing history with recipes for (let’s be honest) food we’ll probably never really eat, draws readers into the past. Imagine the extravagance of being a part of the Titanic’s passengers and lasting history.
May 27, 2020
The information contained in this book is fascinating and well researched. However, the editing job was terrible which made it very difficult to read. If it weren’t for the bad editing I would give it five stars.
November 13, 2021
Sunk
Loved the background stories of the passengers. The recipes were for the most part less appealing and at times there were odd far reaching connections to the Titanic and her passengers.
Loved the background stories of the passengers. The recipes were for the most part less appealing and at times there were odd far reaching connections to the Titanic and her passengers.
May 15, 2019
What an interesting read! I highly recommend this book. I really loved all the recipes they included especially the drink recipes!
June 5, 2019
Aside from the glaring spelling, date, and punctuation errors, this was a pretty good book filled with information and recipes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews