The Rough Guide to the Titanic

by Greg Ward, Rough Guides

A century after the most famous shipwreck in history, The Rough Guide to the Titanic tells the full compelling story of the supposedly unsinkable liner. A comprehensive history, it covers all the Titanic's final hours, from striking the iceberg to disappearing beneath the freezing Atlantic waters. Discover the epic human drama at the heart of the tragedy, with a rich cast of characters including the heroes, villains and victims aboard the Titanic, and the adventurers who re-discovered it in 1985. Plus, there are maps, diagrams and images to illustrate the saga at every turn.

The focus also stretches backwards the people who built the Titanic - with their faith in progress and technology - and forwards to explore the controversies and conspiracy theories that have raged ever since its sinking. The Rough Guide to the Titanic also looks at quite why everybody appears to be so fascinated by the Titanic, and the books, music and movies that have kept its memory alive ever since - from the stiff upper lips of 1958's A Night To Remember to the tear jerking romance of James Cameron's Titanic.

Now available in Kindle format.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 30, 2012

Reviews

[ALLEN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably one of the best "turnkey" guides to the Titanic, certainly the best of its kind I have read. Greg Ward discusses in thorough but accessible detail the doomed liner's creation, building, launch, agonizing death and political fallout. Anyone above middle-school years can pick up this very helpful British guide and come away well informed about the subject, and also receive some helpful recommendations for further reading. Strong recommendation; in fact, I much prefer this book over The Titanic for Dummies.

[Aliyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Rough Guide to the Titanic" is a comprehensive and insightful book that delves into the history, construction, voyage, and tragic sinking of the legendary ocean liner RMS Titanic. Written by Greg Ward, this guide offers a detailed account of one of the most famous maritime disasters in history.

The book starts by providing readers with an in-depth overview of the Titanic's creation, exploring the grand vision behind its design and construction. It covers the technological advancements of the time and the opulence of the ship, highlighting the luxurious amenities that made it the epitome of luxury travel in the early 20th century.

As the guide progresses, it meticulously examines the fateful maiden voyage of the Titanic, drawing readers into the excitement and anticipation surrounding the ship's departure from Southampton. The narrative navigates through the ship's journey, revealing the series of events that led to its tragic collision with an iceberg on April 14, 1912.

What sets "The Rough Guide to the Titanic" apart is its dedication to providing accurate historical information, incorporating firsthand accounts, testimonies, and insights from survivors and witnesses. This attention to detail ensures that the book not only serves as an educational resource but also as a deeply moving tribute to the lives lost and the human stories intertwined with the Titanic's ill-fated voyage.

The author paints a vivid picture of the chaos and heroism that ensued during the ship's evacuation, shedding light on the actions of both passengers and crew members in the face of a disaster. This emotional connection to the individuals involved makes the tragedy all the more poignant.

Beyond the Titanic's sinking, the guide explores the aftermath of the disaster, including the investigations and inquiries that followed, leading to significant changes in maritime safety regulations.

"The Rough Guide to the Titanic" strikes an excellent balance between being informative and engaging, appealing to both history enthusiasts and casual readers. Its well-researched content, complemented by photographs and illustrations, brings the Titanic's story to life.

In conclusion, Greg Ward's "The Rough Guide to the Titanic" is an absorbing and educational read, offering a captivating journey through the history and impact of this iconic ship. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about one of the most significant maritime tragedies, this book provides a compelling exploration of the Titanic's legacy that will leave a lasting impression.

[Zoë Dawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent account of before, during & after The Titanic disaster. Reads more like a history sort than a guide book. Lots of interesting facts & personal stories with very good debunking of many myths surrounding story

[Kathy Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great and informative book. I am a historic buff and i am so glad I got this book as a birthday gift. Anyone interested in the Titanic should def read his book

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the subject - indeed, probably the only book you will need if, like me, you are interested only in the fundamentals of the story rather than the myths and large amounts of detail. Well written, well organised and authoritative.

[Fazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Rough Guides book I have read that is not an actual travel guide. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the book, the writing, and the comprehensive coverage of a massive historical event in a relatively condensed format.

I have been interested in the Titanic disaster for quite a while, but there are so many books out there I didn't really know where to start. I chose this book because it seemed to talk about the controversies from different perspectives, and although not going into depth on any one topic, it covers all the major points pretty well.

I enjoyed the book, it was easy to read, and would be an excellent starting point for anyone wanting an overview of the Titanic tragedy.

[kim]

Returned to library before finishing. It looked interesting and full of facts about theTitanic. I will probably pick it up again.

[Rhoda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good, really. Some interesting stories, with discussion of their accuracy