The following list represents my current collection of
Titanic Books. It is not intended as a comprehensive list of
all books that are available. The star ratings ( One to five
*) represent my personal opinion of the books value to the
Titanic researcher, in terms of accuracy and amount of
useful information. Keep in mind that many authors write
books about Titanic from a certain perspective or about a
specific subject area, and many different books have merit
for different reasons. I was recently reminded that going and buying a book is
only the start to Titanic research. To get the real story,
you have to do some digging and letter writing. This list
should help you get started though. If you're like me, you buy anything Titanic, but this
list is my opinion on which to buy first. Pricing where possible is from the publisher, as it
appears on the book cover. A Night To Remember
**** Author: Walter Lord. Introduction
by Walter Lord. Publisher: Bantam Books ISBN
0-553-27827-4 (paperback) Hardcover: Henrey Holt
1-56865-647-5 $5.99 us Before the discovery, even before
the Movie, there was Walter Lord. His book, published in
1955 is one of the most widely recognised authorative works
on the subject. No pictures, but plenty of
information. Notable: Complete reprint of White
Star's final list of the lost and saved. The Discovery of the Titanic
**** Author: Robert D. Ballard.
Introduction by Walter Lord. Illustrations by Ken
Marschall Publisher: Madison Press Books ISBN
#0-670-81917-4 (hardcover) $24.99 us One of my personal favourites, this
book, written by the discoverer of the Titanic starts with
the ship's history, then moves to the search and discovery,
and finally provides and in depth look at Titanic's remains
on the sea floor. Notable: Excellent schematic of the
engine rooms, excellent fold-out illustrations of the wreck
site, collage of photos showing the bow section of the
wreck. Titanic In A New
Light** Author: Joseph MacInnis Publisher: Thomasson-Grant ISBN
1-56566-021-8 (paperback) $16.95 us A companion to the IMAX film,
"Titanica" the book, like the movie, is an excellent
reference on Canadian/Russian cooperation and IMAX
photography, not such a good resource on the Titanic. I
picked this one up because is had a couple of new
photographs which surprisingly I hadn't seen
before. Notable: Some nice images of the
wreck, some interesting construction photos, nice
description of North Atlantic ocean currents and weather
patterns. A small, inexpensive addition to your Titanic
library. Titanic: Destination
Disaster***(revised and expanded) Authors: John P. Eaton &
Charles A Hass Publisher: WW Norton ISBN
0-393-31513-4 (paperback) $15.95 us One of a few real resource books
among the deluge of "Pop" Titanic books, filled mostly with
pictures, this is a fairly decent addition to my library. Mr
Eaton and Mr Hass are Titanic historians with an obvious
passion for their subject. The authors touch on a lot of
interesting details of the disaster. I did find the
organization of the book a bit jumbled and difficult to go
back and locate a fact. Notable: Some coverage of recovery
of artifacts, lists of provisions etc, good coverage of
immediate aftermath. Inside the Titanic (giant
cutaway book)*** Authors: Ken Marschall Publisher: Madison Books ISBN
0-316-55716-1(hardcover) $18.95 us Basically a children's book, I
bought this one because it is filled with cutaway
illustrations. I give this one 3 stars because I think it
does it's job nicely, it gives children a good look at the
Titanic from the point of view of 2 young passengers. I
would have given it more, but I think it underestimates the
amount of info children can digest. I thought it was a bit
simple even for a childrens book. Notable: Cutaway illustrations of
the Titanic. James Camerons
Titanic**** Author: Forward by James Cameron,
Text by Ed Marsh, Photos D. Kirkland Publisher: Harper Perenial ISBN
0-00-649060-3 (paperback) $20 us If you loved the movie, you'll love
this book. It's full of great photos and info on the making
of the movie. Cameron was so accurate in his reproductions,
I use this as a reference, along with my other photos, for
my own modelling work. This is a book that will likely
interest even the casual Titanic enthusiast. I think even
those that didn't particularly like the movie, (there are a
few) will marvel at the sheer scope of the
production. Notable: Full of colour photos of
sets, and props. Especially interesting info on 1912
clothing and etiquette. Titanic: The Official Story
**** Publisher: Random House ISBN
0-375-50115-0 (box set) $25 us A very interesting collection of
reproductions of documents from the Titanic saga. Including
correspondence, deckplans, insurance claims, inquiry
transcripts, even the distress calls. Titanic: An Illustrated History
***** Author: Text Don Lynch
Illustrations: Ken Marschall Publisher: Penguin Books ISBN
0-670-84669-4 (hardcover) $65 us A large coffee table book. One of
the most visually appealing books available on the subject.
Full of photographs and illustrations, if you can only buy
one Titanic book, buy this one. Most of the ship is
represented in detail, either through archival photographs,
or paintings. About the only drawback to this one is the
price, which makes it appealing to the more serious
enthusiast. Notable:The Titanic revealed, a
large, fold out cutaway view of the ship, along with a host
of beautifully executed illustrations of the
ship. Titanic ** Author: Leo Marriott Publisher: PRC ISBN 1-85648-433-5
(hardcover) Not a bad little coffee table book.
Touches on a number of facets of the story, including the
various movies. Several very poor paintings in the middle
detract from the overall appeal of the book. Lots of nice
photos of the Olympic. Notable: Lots of construction
photo's, mostly of Olympic. The Titanic: The Extraordinary
Story of the "Unsinkable" Ship * Author: Geoff Tibballs ISBN 1-85613-269-2
(hardcover) 14.99 # Poorly researched is the phrase
that comes to mind. Like the Mariotte book, a nice little
coffee table book, touching on lots of features of the
story. Several new photos I hadn't seen. This book is not
for the Titanic researcher as it contains many errors, such
as referring to J.J as Argo, and mistaken photo credits, a
bad reproduction of a Cyberflix image without mentioning the
game title, this book even captions a picture of Nautile,
recovering the "big Piece" as Argo! TITANIC VOICES Memories
from the fateful voyage **** Author: Donald Hyslop, Alastair
Forsyth, Sheila Jemima Publisher: St. Martins Press. ISBN
0-312-17428-4 (hardcover) $39.00 cdn approx. An interesting look at Titanic,
especially the crew. Includes many photographs which were
new to me. Especially intriguing to me was the inclusion of
"Oral History", accounts from people who were involved with
Titanic, and their descendants. notable: Many new photographs of
Titanic, as well as period photos of Southampton. Lots of
interesting details that you don't see in a lot of books.
Nice image of Plymouth Harbour, which graced the first class
smoking room. *The Night Lives
On***** Author: Walter Lord Publisher: Avon ISBN 0-380-73203-3
(paperback) $5.99 US This is the definative book on the
subject. Although it lacks photographs, it is an excellent
resource on the Titanic. Probably the first book a new
Titanophile should purchase. Sinking of the Titanic:
Eyewitness Accounts Author: Edited by Jay Henrey
Mowbray Rating not yet
available. $6.95 US Story of the Wreck of the
TITANIC (1912 memorial edition) Author: Edited by Marshall
Everett $6.95 US Originally Printed in 1912 by
Castle Books, this volume retraces the fate of the liner
from eyewitness accounts at the time. Contains period poems,
hymns, photographs and illustrations. ISBN# 0-7858-1011-0
(hardcover) Story of the TITANIC
(postcards) Author: Edited by Jay Henrey
Mowbray Collection of 24 black and white
post-cards of Titanic. $6.95 US ISBN# 0-486-25611-1 Olympic & Titanic Ocean
Liners of the Past ***** Reprint of the 1911
'shipbuilder" Amereon House Publishing ISBN# 0-8488-1751-6 An absolute must-have for any
serious student of the ship itself. The best collection of
technical data on the construction of the ship itself I have
seen yet. $49.95 us The Last Days of the
Titanic***** Author: E.E.O'Donnell Publisher: Roberts
Rinehart ISBN# 1-57098-201-5 A wonderfull collection of
photographs of the liner, taken by Francis (Father ) Brown,
a first class passenger who boarded the Titanic at
Southampton and disembarked at Queenstown. A prolific and
wonderfully talented photographer, Father Brown took many of
the popular shipboard photographs appearing in books on the
subject, including the only photograph of Titanic's radio
room. $24.95 us Titanic: The Story of the
Disaster in the Newspapers of the Day*** Author: Eric Caren & Steve
Goldman Publisher: Castle Books ISBN# 0-7858-1030-70 An interesting perspective of the
disaster, as witnessed by the media of the time. Of
particular interest are the early stories, written when
little news of the sinking had reached land. Also an
excellent look into the period in which this story unfolded.
Hours of interesting reading. Anatomy of the
Titanic**** Author: Tom McCluskie Publisher: Prospero
Books ISBN# 1-894102-50-9 Excellent book on the construction
of Titanic. Filled with excellent photographs of Titanic and
her sister Olympic, as well as a wealth of detailed info on
construction and fitting out. Excellent resource, though not
for the student of the passengers or crew. Titanic Fortune &
Fate**** Letters, Momentoes & Personal
Effects From Those Who Sailed On The Lost Ship Author: McMillan / Lehrer (Mariners
Museum Newport News) Publisher: Simon &
Shuster ISBN# 0-684-85710-3 $30. US Though not a source of information,
this is a beautifully presented book. Full of interesting
photos of Titanic and Titanic Era objects and momentoes of
the heyday of trans Atlantic travel. A thoroughly visual
journey through the Titanic. I fell in love with the elegant
design of this book. The Titanic Disaster
Hearings*** The Official Transcripts of the
1912 Senate Investigation Author: Edited By Tom
Kuntz Publisher: Pocket Books ISBN# 0-671-02553-8 7.99 US Titanic: The Canadian Story
**** Author: Alan Hustak Publisher: Vehicule
Press ISBN# 9 781550 651133 $17.95 Can Very well written and researched
this book follows the stories of the passengers bound for
Canada aboard the Titanic. Mr. Hustak chronicles the Titanic
story from a uniquely Canadian perspective, while digging
deep enough and including enough detail in his passenger
histories to interest Titanic students on either side of the
Atlantic. A definite must have, and a cover to cover good
read. Last Dinner on the
Titanic*** Menus and Recipes from the Great
Liner Author: By Rick Archbold and Dana
McCauly Forward by Walter Lord Publisher: Hyperion ISBN# 0-7868-6303-x $24.95 US An excellent resource on the food
served on the great liner, including historical info,
recipes with modifications to include currently available
ingredients, and how to host your own Dinner on the Titanic
Party. Lost Liners**** From Titanic to Andrea
Doria Author: By Rick Archbold and Robert
D Ballard Publisher: Madison Book for Little,
Brown and Company ISBN# 0-316-07191-9 $75.00 CAN Filled with color illustrations,
this beautiful coffee table book is full of information
about many of the great lost liners from the age of
Trans-Atlantic sailing. Covers: Lusitania, Mauretania,
Olympic, Titanic, Brittanic, Normandie, Queen Mary and many
more. Pictures show the liners in their glory, and as they
lie now on the ocean floor. For the Titanic enthusiast, this
book puts Titanic in perspective against the ships that
plied the North Atlantic along side her. The Wreck of the
Titan** A Nineteenth Century
Prophecy Author: Morgan Robertson Forward by Simon Hewitt Publisher: Pocket Books First published in the US as
Futility, 1898 ISBN#0-671-01819-1 4.99 UK Before construction of Titanic was
even begun, Morgan Robertson wrote what seems to be a
prophetic story of the Titan, a huge four stacker that
strikes an iceberg and sinks on her maiden voyage. Was the
book a prophecy of event soon to happen, you be the
judge. The Complete
TITANIC*** From the Ships Earliest Blueprints
to the Epic Film Author: Stephen J.
Spignesi Publisher: Birch Lane
Press ISBN# 1-55972-483-8 $19.00 CDN Excellent quick reference guide to
all things Titanic. Covers the ship's construction, history,
wreck, recovery, pro and anti salvage views, as well as
Cameron's movie. Not a whole lot of new info, but a bit of
everything. Although the artist writes a bit too personally
for my taste, injecting too much of his own opinion for a
reference book, this is over all a handy book, especially
for the new Titanic enthusiast. 1912 Facts About
TITANIC*** Author: Lee.W. Merideth Publisher: Savas
Publishing ISBN# 1-882810-33-3 $11.95 US Fantastic book! This project
answers the question, "Is there room for any MORE Titanic
books?" with an emphatic yes. Written in a unique point
form, the book lists many Titanic facts, well, 1912 of them,
in an easy to reference point by point format. Great for
expert or novice alike. A wealth of information. Includes
drawings, photos, biblio., index, paper. TITANIC: James Cameron's
Illustrated Screenplay Author: Randall Frakes Publisher: Harper
Perenial This complete, annotated screenplay
contains over 300 photographs, and describes the entire
evolution of the movie, from earliest conception to scenes
that were filmed and later cut. A must have for fans of the
movie, or students of film. ISBN# 0-06-095307-1 The Story of Titanic as told by
its survivors *** Edited by: Jack Winocour Publisher: Dover $13.50 cdn Complete reprint of "Loss of the
S.S.Titanic" by Lawrence Beesley, and "The Truth About the
Titanic" by Archibold Gracie" as well as accounts by CH
Lightoller and wireless operator Harold Bride. As the original books are difficult
to locate, this is an excellent alternative. Though one
gains a unique perspective from reading accounts of those
who lived the event, it is always important to way these
accounts against other established evidence and judge them
for yourself as to their meaning. ISBN# 0-486-20610-6 Titanic:Legacy of the World's
Greatest Ocean Liner *** Author: Susan Wells Publisher: Tahabi The design and presentation of this
book are outstanding. The book is filled with beautiful
photographs and illustrations and contains lots of material
on the wreck and salvage operations today. Relatively
inexpensive for a book of this quality. Overall a first rate
offering. ISBN# 078355261-0 Titanic: Safety Speed &
Sacrifice*** Author: George Behe Publisher: Transportation
Trails George Behe has a deep and profound
feeling for his subject, and a wealth of knowledge. In this
book, he researches various survivor accounts and newspaper
reports, and lays out an intriguing theory of negligence and
cover-up. I had some trouble locating this one. 88 Pages,
saddle stitched. $17.00 cdn ISBN# 0-933449-31-3 The Birth of the
Titanic**** Author: Michael McCaughn Publisher: McGill-Queens University
Press In association with The National
Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland Excellent new offering , very heavy
with period photos of Titanic and Olympic. This book
concentrates heavily on construction photographs of the
ships, and the men who built them. $43.00? cdn ISBN# 0-7735-1864-9 The Wallchart of the
Titanic**** Author: Tom McCluskie Publisher: Prospero
Books Kind of a neat, inexpensive entry
in the latest round of pop-Titanic merchandise, this book is
huge, and filled with over-sized, pullout deckplans over 15
ft long, timeline, lifeboat details, and photographs. Not
high on my list of must haves, it is a nice way for people
with a limited budget to get the general arrangement and
rigging plans. I think I picked mine up for around
$7.99 marked down from $19. cdn ISBN# 1-89410-290-8 "Unsinkable" The full
Story Author: Daniel Allen
Butler Publisher: Stackpole
Books Although I haven't finished this
book yet, I am adding it as I have recieved a number of
e-mails about it. This book surprized me. I walked past it
dozens of times without really paying much attention, to be
honest this was because of the absolutely atrocious cover
design and VERY amateur cover illustration. In fact, the
only reason I have this is because my wife bought it for me.
I know you can't judge a book by its' cover, but this one
was so bad, I very much doubted the book could be worth the
expense. I was wrong. The book is thoughtfully researched
and very well written . In addition to researching his
subject, Mr.Butler is a talented writer, and is able to
write with an artistic flavour usually reserved for
fictional works. The book is light on images, loaded with
info, I'll write more on the accuracy of it when I have
finished. This excellent book is rounded out with detailed
notes, bibliography and glossary. From the first four
chapters, I am temped to say it is well worth picking up. It
seems pretty widely available. $19.95 US ISBN# 1-89410-290-8
