What do you think?
Rate this book
Titanic: Day by Day: 366 days with the Titanic
After the Titanic sank on 15 April 1912, the story hit the headlines worldwide. Details of the tragedy were displayed on the front pages of every newspaper and magazine, and were talked about in every home.
The events that happened on that fateful night should never be forgotten. In this unique book, each page is filled with information for every Titanic enthusiast, whether seasoned or a beginner. For each day of the year, there are births and deaths of passengers and crew alongside relevant newspaper articles from the time. These are details of true-life events as seen by the eyes of the world in 1912.
Also included are Titanic facts and Titanic survivor quotes. This allows the reader to discover more about the tragedy as it unfolded before the eyes of witnesses, and to delve into the British and American inquiries to see what really happened.
Simon's great-grandfather Robert Hichens, one of the six quartermasters of the Titanic, was at the helm when the ship hit the iceberg. He survived on lifeboat number six. His experience on Titanic is one of hundreds recounted in this book, passengers and crew alike.
Titanic Day by Day has a worldwide appeal to all ages because of the wealth of information and facts within. The book can be picked up both for casual reading or used every day of the week and enjoyed. It is distinctive in the way that it covers facts and information on Titanic’s passengers and crew in a daily format. With the information displayed throughout a full year, this allows for a uniquely straightforward exploration of details about the people who perished in the waters of the Atlantic and those that survived. This will keep their stories alive for generations to come.
The events that happened on that fateful night should never be forgotten. In this unique book, each page is filled with information for every Titanic enthusiast, whether seasoned or a beginner. For each day of the year, there are births and deaths of passengers and crew alongside relevant newspaper articles from the time. These are details of true-life events as seen by the eyes of the world in 1912.
Also included are Titanic facts and Titanic survivor quotes. This allows the reader to discover more about the tragedy as it unfolded before the eyes of witnesses, and to delve into the British and American inquiries to see what really happened.
Simon's great-grandfather Robert Hichens, one of the six quartermasters of the Titanic, was at the helm when the ship hit the iceberg. He survived on lifeboat number six. His experience on Titanic is one of hundreds recounted in this book, passengers and crew alike.
Titanic Day by Day has a worldwide appeal to all ages because of the wealth of information and facts within. The book can be picked up both for casual reading or used every day of the week and enjoyed. It is distinctive in the way that it covers facts and information on Titanic’s passengers and crew in a daily format. With the information displayed throughout a full year, this allows for a uniquely straightforward exploration of details about the people who perished in the waters of the Atlantic and those that survived. This will keep their stories alive for generations to come.
- GenresNonfiction
408 pages, Hardcover
Published April 5, 2022
14 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 7, 2022
I have never read a book which was written in this format, but it really works very well with this one. We all know the tragic story of the Titanic: she runs into an iceberg during her maiden voyage and sinks, with a huge loss of life.
This book covers every day of the year. Who was born on a specific day, how much they paid for their fare or if they were staff, if they survived or if they perished. On that same day are listed all the passengers who survived the sinking but who died on that date later on. Some people quite soon, others decades later. The longevity of some of them was quite astonishing, especially for the time!
I have to admit that it took me a little while to read, being quite a dense book laden with facts and figures, so I just read a little every night. It would be great as a reference book and I intend to use it as such. I have read many books over the years about this tragedy but I learned quite a few new facts whilst reading this one so that was great. The author did a good job with all the little snippets that he added from newspaper quotes and other sources. Some of them were illuminating indeed!
My overwhelming feeling after reading this book though was sadness. All of those lives being lost is just so terrible, most of them very young. What struck me was that so very many of the dead were the staff and there was a particular group of migrants who also overwhelmingly died. I know that regulations about lifeboats have changed since this accident, but I do wonder if the best and worst of humanity would still be revealed today, if something like this was to happen in the current day. Point to ponder.
5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword.
This book covers every day of the year. Who was born on a specific day, how much they paid for their fare or if they were staff, if they survived or if they perished. On that same day are listed all the passengers who survived the sinking but who died on that date later on. Some people quite soon, others decades later. The longevity of some of them was quite astonishing, especially for the time!
I have to admit that it took me a little while to read, being quite a dense book laden with facts and figures, so I just read a little every night. It would be great as a reference book and I intend to use it as such. I have read many books over the years about this tragedy but I learned quite a few new facts whilst reading this one so that was great. The author did a good job with all the little snippets that he added from newspaper quotes and other sources. Some of them were illuminating indeed!
My overwhelming feeling after reading this book though was sadness. All of those lives being lost is just so terrible, most of them very young. What struck me was that so very many of the dead were the staff and there was a particular group of migrants who also overwhelmingly died. I know that regulations about lifeboats have changed since this accident, but I do wonder if the best and worst of humanity would still be revealed today, if something like this was to happen in the current day. Point to ponder.
5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword.
April 30, 2022
Titanic. Just that one word conjures up so many thoughts, feelings, and emotions. There are many insightful books out there that tell the story of the ill-fated vessel, but I’m yet to think of one that tells the story quite like this one by Simon Medhurst, the Great-grandson of Robert Hichens, quartermaster and helmsman of RMS Titanic.
Each page is a brand new day filled with passengers' information, quotes, and some interesting facts relating to the many facets of Titanic.
A little taster of the fascinating information, I shall turn to Day 256, 12 Sept (My birthday, of course)
Only one person was born on this day, Canavan, Mr. Patrick 12 Sept 1890 - aged 21 when on Titanic; third-class passenger (ticket price: £7 15s); Titanic victim.
And that is just a sample of the level of detail and research that has gone into this book.
Although tragic and heartbreaking, I found this book gives new life to the beautiful souls that are forever bound to the Titanic.
One I will happily reread, and I aim to read each day on the day starting next year.
Thank you so much, Pen and Sword & NetGalley.
A fabulous book that I’ll cherish forever.
Each page is a brand new day filled with passengers' information, quotes, and some interesting facts relating to the many facets of Titanic.
A little taster of the fascinating information, I shall turn to Day 256, 12 Sept (My birthday, of course)
Only one person was born on this day, Canavan, Mr. Patrick 12 Sept 1890 - aged 21 when on Titanic; third-class passenger (ticket price: £7 15s); Titanic victim.
And that is just a sample of the level of detail and research that has gone into this book.
Although tragic and heartbreaking, I found this book gives new life to the beautiful souls that are forever bound to the Titanic.
One I will happily reread, and I aim to read each day on the day starting next year.
Thank you so much, Pen and Sword & NetGalley.
A fabulous book that I’ll cherish forever.
April 13, 2022
This is a concept I haven't seen before, going day by day of a calendar year, listing Titanic passengers (and some other people who were important to the story) who were born and who died on that day, giving us survivors' quotes and random Titanic facts.
It's a Titanic passenger encyclopedia more than anything else and a great reference book. Just opening it and reading it in one go can become a bit redundant with all of those names and dates but it would be a great read to dip in and out of.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Pen & Sword for granting me my wish and sending me the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
It's a Titanic passenger encyclopedia more than anything else and a great reference book. Just opening it and reading it in one go can become a bit redundant with all of those names and dates but it would be a great read to dip in and out of.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Pen & Sword for granting me my wish and sending me the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
May 5, 2022
Simon Medhurst comes to the subject from a very interesting place: he is the great-grandson of Robert Hichens, the quartermaster who was at the wheel when Titanic struck ice. I have seen him interact with enthusiasts and historians in various places over the years, and I couldn't have been more excited that he finally put together a book.
There are many Titanic books out there, and this is not necessarily a book that you will seat and read cover to cover in page order. It is a chronological reference for Titanic's story and her passengers. As an historian, it's always nice to have a handy reference with date information, especially for a story that encompasses so many people, places, and events. While the primary focus is on the passengers, there are so many other small details included as you turn the pages. It's a fantastic resource, and the writing itself is engaging and well done. Simon has a gift for placing you among the story itself rather than making you feel like an outsider, and his warm and engaging personality radiates from the book itself. A masterpiece and an important book for those who study the ship and her history.
There are many Titanic books out there, and this is not necessarily a book that you will seat and read cover to cover in page order. It is a chronological reference for Titanic's story and her passengers. As an historian, it's always nice to have a handy reference with date information, especially for a story that encompasses so many people, places, and events. While the primary focus is on the passengers, there are so many other small details included as you turn the pages. It's a fantastic resource, and the writing itself is engaging and well done. Simon has a gift for placing you among the story itself rather than making you feel like an outsider, and his warm and engaging personality radiates from the book itself. A masterpiece and an important book for those who study the ship and her history.
March 30, 2022
Fascinating. Terribly sad, of course, but fascinating.
This is the first book I have ever read about The Titanic and I enjoyed it very much. I thought it was very well researched. This book details every day of the year, with one page for each day.
Each page lists the passengers born on that day, if they were crew or paying passengers, how much they paid for their ticket and if they were saved or unfortunately perished.
It also lists passengers who survived and later died on that day of the year.
Following that there are quotes from survivors who witnessed what happened that night. Usually you get a quote from someone listed on that page (but not always) which I found simply fascinating, to get a glimpse of their story.
And finally a quick Titanic fact at the bottom of each page.
I do wish there were some photographs to break up the days a bit, and I do also wish for some more information about each of the survivors and victims. But I understand you can only fit so much in one book!
I honestly didn't want to put it down.
*Free e-arc received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I have ever read about The Titanic and I enjoyed it very much. I thought it was very well researched. This book details every day of the year, with one page for each day.
Each page lists the passengers born on that day, if they were crew or paying passengers, how much they paid for their ticket and if they were saved or unfortunately perished.
It also lists passengers who survived and later died on that day of the year.
Following that there are quotes from survivors who witnessed what happened that night. Usually you get a quote from someone listed on that page (but not always) which I found simply fascinating, to get a glimpse of their story.
And finally a quick Titanic fact at the bottom of each page.
I do wish there were some photographs to break up the days a bit, and I do also wish for some more information about each of the survivors and victims. But I understand you can only fit so much in one book!
I honestly didn't want to put it down.
*Free e-arc received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2023
‘I herewith report this ship loaded and ready for sea. The engines and boilers are in good order for the voyage, and all charts and sailing directions up-to-date. Your obedient servant, Edward, J. Smith.’
Where to behind with this masterpiece…
The way in which this book is written is so unique, this book is now a treasured favourite of mine.
In reading each of the passengers names, you were bringing them back to life again and for me personally, it was very powerful and moving.
If I had had the patience, I would have loved to have read this book 1 page a day for the year, finishing on day 366 (leap year) however, my excitement and delight in having this book in my hands overruled any opportunity of doing this!
But what is great about this book is that you can re-read it over and over again. I’m already planning my re-read…. 1st of January 2023 and this time it will be 1 page a day.
I love what Simon has done here. There are many books on titanic…. I’ve personally read around 30 myself but with Titanic Day By Day he has done something magical here how he tells the story of RMS Titanic.
The research he has done is just phenomenal.
If you are passionate about the titanic, this is a book you MUST read. I also think it’s a book for any historical reader.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘The last we saw and heard of the Titanic was our brave men standing with set faces waiting for the last… ‘The bandsmen we’re kneeling and playing “Nearer my God to Thee” and then the ship turned and hurled all those brave fellows to their death. The shrieks I heard will forever ring in my ears.’ Miss Annie Caton.
Where to behind with this masterpiece…
The way in which this book is written is so unique, this book is now a treasured favourite of mine.
In reading each of the passengers names, you were bringing them back to life again and for me personally, it was very powerful and moving.
If I had had the patience, I would have loved to have read this book 1 page a day for the year, finishing on day 366 (leap year) however, my excitement and delight in having this book in my hands overruled any opportunity of doing this!
But what is great about this book is that you can re-read it over and over again. I’m already planning my re-read…. 1st of January 2023 and this time it will be 1 page a day.
I love what Simon has done here. There are many books on titanic…. I’ve personally read around 30 myself but with Titanic Day By Day he has done something magical here how he tells the story of RMS Titanic.
The research he has done is just phenomenal.
If you are passionate about the titanic, this is a book you MUST read. I also think it’s a book for any historical reader.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘The last we saw and heard of the Titanic was our brave men standing with set faces waiting for the last… ‘The bandsmen we’re kneeling and playing “Nearer my God to Thee” and then the ship turned and hurled all those brave fellows to their death. The shrieks I heard will forever ring in my ears.’ Miss Annie Caton.
March 22, 2022
A fascinating insight into the people who sailed on the Titanic. The book is written by date, with lists of everyone on the ship who was born on that date, who died on that date (if they survived the sinking), along with facts about Titanic, and snippets of information from the investigation after or from survivor memories. A great book to dip in and out of.
March 17, 2022
This is a well written and incredibly well researched non fiction read that goes into day by day what happened during the journey of the Titanic and after. The information within the book was so compelling and made for a fascinating read. I couldn't put it down.
September 17, 2023
This book
…..
I have problems with this book
In the many introductions it says that this book does something no other Titanic book does. Instead of talking only about very well known first class passengers it talks about every one. Sounds great right?
Problem though
The whole book is just a date, who was born, who died, a quote from a survivor and tHE MOST boring fun fact I have ever read.
Ex: a very famous guy on the Titanic’s dog was this breed.
Ex: there were this many cabins on this deck.
Etc.
All of this I could google
But sure, sure I see how some people could like this, but the main problem is the way it was marketed.
In the forward of Timothy Trower “Too often I have picked up a new book and found that the same tried stories are just presented in a different typeface or format…”
Great great great
So this book has facts about every passenger and crew member. But the facts are not worth printing. This should have been an online dictionary in which you could browse or look up these facts.
…..
I have problems with this book
In the many introductions it says that this book does something no other Titanic book does. Instead of talking only about very well known first class passengers it talks about every one. Sounds great right?
Problem though
The whole book is just a date, who was born, who died, a quote from a survivor and tHE MOST boring fun fact I have ever read.
Ex: a very famous guy on the Titanic’s dog was this breed.
Ex: there were this many cabins on this deck.
Etc.
All of this I could google
But sure, sure I see how some people could like this, but the main problem is the way it was marketed.
In the forward of Timothy Trower “Too often I have picked up a new book and found that the same tried stories are just presented in a different typeface or format…”
Great great great
So this book has facts about every passenger and crew member. But the facts are not worth printing. This should have been an online dictionary in which you could browse or look up these facts.
March 12, 2022
408 pages
4 stars
This is an interesting book. Especially the first hand descriptions by the surviving passengers and others.
The book contains a bibliography and an appendix for those who would like to further explore the subject.
The author, a direct descendent of Robert Hitchens (who was at the helm when the Titanic collided with the infernal iceberg), pens this book to honor his great-grandfather. He lists everyone who was born and those who died on any given date throughout the 366 days of 1912. He also includes first-person stories and interesting facts about the Titanic.
This is a good book and will be a good addition to readers of On a Sea of Glass, or those who have an interest in the great ship.
I want to thank NetGalley and Pen & Sword/Pen & Sword History for forwarding to me a copy of this nice book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
4 stars
This is an interesting book. Especially the first hand descriptions by the surviving passengers and others.
The book contains a bibliography and an appendix for those who would like to further explore the subject.
The author, a direct descendent of Robert Hitchens (who was at the helm when the Titanic collided with the infernal iceberg), pens this book to honor his great-grandfather. He lists everyone who was born and those who died on any given date throughout the 366 days of 1912. He also includes first-person stories and interesting facts about the Titanic.
This is a good book and will be a good addition to readers of On a Sea of Glass, or those who have an interest in the great ship.
I want to thank NetGalley and Pen & Sword/Pen & Sword History for forwarding to me a copy of this nice book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
September 10, 2022
I thought that this book was really interesting and I loved the idea that it follows the Titanic for a year, well 366 days.
The book covers what was happening that was of importance of the say, along with the birth and death dates of those that were on board. It has what their class was if they were travelling first, second or third and their role if they were a part of the crew.
It is quite a lengthy book but you do get a lot of content in the pages and I loved the way that the author chose to work his version of the story of the Titanic.
It is 4 stars from me of this one, a really interesting book, it was great to be able to dip in and out as needed a must for any Titanic fans– highly recommended!
The book covers what was happening that was of importance of the say, along with the birth and death dates of those that were on board. It has what their class was if they were travelling first, second or third and their role if they were a part of the crew.
It is quite a lengthy book but you do get a lot of content in the pages and I loved the way that the author chose to work his version of the story of the Titanic.
It is 4 stars from me of this one, a really interesting book, it was great to be able to dip in and out as needed a must for any Titanic fans– highly recommended!
March 29, 2022
It is obvious that this is a very well researched book. However, I found the content very choppy and unfortunately will go down on one of my DNF piles.
I personally feel the book should be listed into different sections. To start each date off with the births and deaths of the people aboard Titanic could have been listed in one complete sections. Then two further sections on facts and another quotes.
I'm sure Titanic historians will love this book but it certainly wasn't for me. From the description of the book I was expecting something completely different. Sorry
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to see an ARC
I personally feel the book should be listed into different sections. To start each date off with the births and deaths of the people aboard Titanic could have been listed in one complete sections. Then two further sections on facts and another quotes.
I'm sure Titanic historians will love this book but it certainly wasn't for me. From the description of the book I was expecting something completely different. Sorry
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to see an ARC
April 9, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley for this historical read.
While I should have waiting to finish until April 15, reading about the Titanic is perfect for reading in April. This was different than I thought but still a great read for anyone interested in history or the Titanic in general. Each page lists births and deaths of Titanic passengers, quotes from survivors, news articles, and other facts and trivia related to the famous ship.
I found myself googling even more tidbits as I read to learn even more or see actual photos. The last survivor passed away in 2009. Next order of business is to visit the Pier where the survivors landed in NYC.
Really enjoyed this one!
While I should have waiting to finish until April 15, reading about the Titanic is perfect for reading in April. This was different than I thought but still a great read for anyone interested in history or the Titanic in general. Each page lists births and deaths of Titanic passengers, quotes from survivors, news articles, and other facts and trivia related to the famous ship.
I found myself googling even more tidbits as I read to learn even more or see actual photos. The last survivor passed away in 2009. Next order of business is to visit the Pier where the survivors landed in NYC.
Really enjoyed this one!
April 6, 2022
There is so much information in this book and there is definitely nothing else like it. It would be really interesting to read each date daily on the corresponding day. If you’re looking to learn more about Titanic, especially about her passengers, this is the book for you.
May 7, 2022
This book is very well-researched, but the delivery was unfortunately not for me. I found the way the information was presented quite dry. However, this will be very interesting for die-hard Titanic historians.
Many thanks to Simon Medhurst, NetGalley, and Pen & Sword for this copy.
Many thanks to Simon Medhurst, NetGalley, and Pen & Sword for this copy.
December 31, 2023
I tried to read this one page a day for each day of the year. Life gets in the way and I’d get behind up to a week but I finished on 12/31. A new and inventive way to share data about the Titanic in a way not done before to my knowledge. Good use of quotes throughout.
August 26, 2024
A history of the Titanic told not in the traditional linear order, but organized day by calendar day, Simon Medhurst—descendant of the man at the helm on that fateful night—presents a unique perspective. I recommend reading this book over the course of a year.
March 15, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley.
A book of Titanic facts, done in 'This Day In History' style, rather than a narrative history book.
This day-by-day book goes through January 1 – December 31, and for each day list who from Titanic was born and died on that day, as well as each day listing a fact about Titanic and a quote from someone on Titanic.
A good book to pick up and put down and randomly read any given day.
March 23, 2022
Really good book with some really helpful facts for every day. Perfect for any titanic fan or avid explorer!
March 24, 2022
Well written in a way that honours those who tragically pass away
Very interesting well worth buying
Very interesting well worth buying
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews