A Hymn for Eternity: The Story of Wallace Hartley, Titanic Bandmaster

by Yvonne Carroll

The band playing ‘Nearer my God to Thee’ as the ship went down is probably one of the most famous stories relating to the Titanic. The bravery of the band and their leader, Wallace Hartley, is one of the endearing stories to come out of the worst disaster to happen to a British passenger liner. Who comprised the band? Who was Wallace Hartley and where did he come from?Not much has been written about this enigmatic band leader or of his part in the tragedy, beyond a few mentions in the many books on the disaster. But he was one of the most important characters in the story of Titanic. Yvonne Speak has spent years researching the life story of Wallace Hartley and has conducted interviews with remaining members of his family. Here she tells his story and remembers this most British of heroes.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2002

Reviews

[B.M. Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cue the tears. With every book I've read about/or containing a segment on Wallace Hartley, I get attached and find myself fighting off emotion with his noble death. What a story! A true story. This was an informative read and contained some information I hadn't been able to find anywhere else. There were pictures in the back too! Very enjoyable and informative. I think I actually do like reading nonfiction...contrary to what I used to think. ;) Guess it depends on the subject and how well its written.

[Jessica Weinreich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Research-wise, it's hit and miss. There's just not a lot out there on Wallace's pre-Titanic days, but the author is as thorough as possible and acknowledges when large leaps of logic are made to fill in the gaps. Post-Titanic information is covered with detail, but that's easier.

However, despite some good sources (including primary) in the bibliography, when it comes to the sinking, there are issues, and it makes me think huge chunks of research are superficial at best. I can forgive this chapter for being brief - this is a biography of one person not a Titanic omnibus.

However, despite the works cited at best it perpetuates myths (for example the fate of Jack Phillips) at worst it is flat-out wrong, either reprinting information proven incorrect prior to publication - even some debunked in her own sources or information that cannot possibly be true (metal parts from the stringed instruments found in the debris field - this bugged me as although not impossible it's highly improbable that items so small would be found let alone identified accurately). That does make me question the credibility of earlier chapters and feels like an over-reliance on the 1997 movie.

It's a decent writing style but more on par with advanced high school research than a serious professional. She also occasionally slips in some biased wording such as "frivolous" telegrams or Molly Brown as "loud." Most of this is in the drinking chapter, and I can only assume it was done to add a bit of unneeded verve to the narrative.

Don't get me wrong: it's definitely worth the read. Just take some of it with a grain of salt.

[Joni Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Titanic and history buff, I loved reading about the musical hero of the Titanic. Albeit, terribly sad story! All the band were young men with their whole lives ahead of them. So talented they could play anything without music scores. An insightful read with much interesting detail. Well written with much empathy for Wallace and his family.

[Mick Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough detailed account of Wallace's life some accounts of the final moments may differ but all in all they were very brave people.as was once said in a John Ford film who shot liberty valance when the myth becomes the legend print the legend.

[Tiffany Johnstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It was clear from the beginning that Wallace Hartley was a very talented musician. He traveled all over in his short life. He was very sought after along with the rest of the band. He took his fate with grace and bravery as he played his last ever song.

[JSL · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took this book about 25% of its pages to tell about the life of musician Wallace Hartley. Mostly boring until it tells about how he started playing on cruise ships. Really, quite interesting. Particularly informative on the music and musicians on the Titanic, esp. the bandmaster Wallace Hartley, who seems to have been an honorable fellow. He and all other musicians perished with the Titanic. He was found with his violin strapped to his body. This book gives more educated info on the possible last song the band played with a good discussion of Nearer My God to Thee and its two tune names, the best discussion of this topic I've read.

[Reet Champion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I confess that I don't know terribly much about Wallace Hartley, but this book was very informative. Beginning with family background, Yvonne Carroll takes readers along with Wallace Hartley as she traces his whereabouts and life events from Yorkshire to the Atlantic. Readers won't be disappointed. It is, admittedly, a small book, but the information is invaluable. Also covered is the author's investigations into the last song played by the Titanic bandsmen and her conclusions.

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://www.examiner.com/books-in-denv...

[Jim Swike · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heroic story of the Band Leader on the Titanic. Great details, and research. I have read a lot on the Titanic, but this a great read. Enjoy!