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The Discovery of the Titanic
Here is the first-hand account of Dr. Ballard's quest to find the Titanic. Including rare archival photos and charts, this volume recounts the Titanic's tragic last night and describes the drama of the expedition that finally found and explored her. Plus Dr. Ballard reveals the ship's location and lays to rest many of its mysteries. 48-page color insert.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
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2357 people want to read
About the author
Robert D. Ballard
86 books169 followersRobert Duane Ballard (born June 30, 1942 in Wichita, Kansas) is a former commander in the United States Navy and an oceanographer who is most noted for his work in underwater archaeology. He is most famous for the discoveries of the wrecks of the RMS Titanic in 1985, the battleship Bismarck in 1989, and the wreck of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown in 1998. Most recently he discovered the wreck of John F. Kennedy's PT-109 in 2003 and visited the Solomon Islander natives who saved its crew. Ballard is also great-grandson of American Old West lawman Bat Masterson.
from wikipedia.org
see also
http://literati.net/Ballard/
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/fie...
http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/pa...
from wikipedia.org
see also
http://literati.net/Ballard/
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/fie...
http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/pa...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
April 5, 2025
What is the mystique of the Titanic? Is it the sheer immensity of the disaster – the largest ship in the world, proclaimed unsinkable, going down on her maiden voyage with appalling loss of life? Is it the element of Greek tragedy that runs through the story – if only she had heeded the warnings; if only there had been enough lifeboats; if only… if only. Is it the built-in sermon, the irresistible reminder that 'pride goeth before a fall?' Or is it because she so eloquently symbolizes the end of the Edwardian era, a final nostalgic glimpse of a whole way of life?
Would purchasing this t-shirt make me an asshole? I mean, they're not wrong. She WAS fine when she left Belfast.
At this point, I should make a new bookshelf titled 'Shipwrecks.' I have become an expert on all things Titanic. (not really) The Discovery of the Titanic is a certified banger. I was mesmerized by Dr. Ballard's writing. This book made me want to explore the seas and make an important scientific discovery.
The world's largest and most luxurious ship sank in the early hours of April 15th, 1912. She didn't go gentle into that good night. The unsinkable ship broke in two, emitting bone-chilling noises. Her architect and captain both perished in the North Atlantic's icy-cold waters. Tragic, yes, but also ironic. More than 1,500 people lost their lives in the dark Atlantic.
Fast-forward 73 years. Explorers, scientists, historians, and Indiana Jones wannabes tried and failed to find the fabled Titanic. None were successful. Was the Titanic destined to remain hidden for all eternity? Not if Dr. Robert Ballard had anything to say about it.
Dr. Robert Ballard has quite an impressive resume - a Navy officer, professor of oceanography, geologist, and maritime archaeologist. He worked at Woods Hole, America's premier research institution. Dr. Ballard conducted several secret missions for the U.S. Navy. He located sunken submarines belonging to the Navy, which, in turn, funded his search for the Titanic. It gets even better. He discovered the Titanic during a secret mission to find sunken nuclear submarines. Damn it feels good to be a gangsta by Geto Boys comes to mind immediately.
The Titanic was nearly impossible to locate. It was like looking for a needle in a haystack. Achieving that goal would require state-of-the-art equipment, intelligence, determination, and luck. Ballard had already tried and failed to locate the Titanic. He couldn't afford to fail again. He joined forces with the French National Institute of Oceanography. The mission was co-led by a talented French engineer and oceanographer named Jean-Louis Michel.
Then, without any warning, I found myself looking into the eyes of a small, white smiling face. For a split second I thought a corpse had actually materialized - and it scared the hell out of me. Then I realized I was seeing a ceramic doll's head. My initial shock changed to sadness as the poignancy of the image sank in. Who had owned this toy? Had the girl been one of the survivors? Or had she clutched it tightly as she sank in the icy waters?
A feathery sea pen juts from a dangling chandelier
Robot Jason Jr. looks in the windows of the gymnasium
Weeks went by. Morale dropped. Dr. Ballard wasn't one to give up easily, but his optimism was waning with only four days left before the deadline. Maybe it wasn't meant to be. Dejected, Ballard retreated to his cabin. Then it happened. A crew member burst into his room. Argo, the deep-towed undersea video camera sled, named after the Argonauts' mythological ship, passed over a massive boiler. More pieces of wreckage came into view. The Titanic was somewhere close. Everyone was ecstatic. Then a crew member glanced at the clock and saw it was 2:00 a.m. The Titanic sank at 2:20 am. The mood shifted from celebratory to somber.
It would be a year until Dr. Ballard could visit the Titanic in person. The ship of dreams lay submerged nearly 4,000 meters (12,500 feet) beneath the cold Atlantic. It was quite the experience. The ghost-like bow, the eerie-looking empty lifeboat davits, a woman's shoe, a doll's head, a crystal chandelier still hanging decades later. The picture of the doll's head gave me goosebumps. It was like something out of a horror movie.
Neither historians nor the investigators believed the ship broke in half. Eyewitness accounts were deemed unreliable. The so-called experts were adamant in their belief that the ship sank intact. Ballard's discovery showed the undeniable truth: the Titanic snapped in two pieces.
Technology has come a long way since 1985/1986. Titanic director James Cameron has made more than thirty expeditions to the wreck. He discovered leaded glass windows, a brass bed, Turkish Baths, and Isidor and Ida Straus's luxurious stateroom (which served as inspiration for Rose's suite). Amazingly, the clock is still sitting upright on the fireplace mantel.
Our second view of the Titanic was breathtaking. As we glided soundlessly across the bottom on our single ski, out of the darkness loomed the razor's edge of the bow - the great ship towered above us and suddenly it seemed to be coming right at us. Then, as we rose in slow motion up the ghostly wall of the port bow, our running lights reflected off the broken glass of portholes in a way that made me think of cats' eyes gleaming in the dark. In places, the rust about them formed eyelashes; sometimes tears, as though the Titanic were weeping over her fate.
The wrecksite is both a memorial and a warning. The Titanic received seven ice warnings that day. Seven. Complacency kills.
The R.M.S. Titanic site was explored with her dignity in mind at all times, Jean-Louis Michel said at the press conference. Not everyone shared that sentiment. Many artifacts were taken from the wreck site, which angered survivors. (looking at you RMS Titanic Inc. and IFREMER). Robert Ballard has criticized Titanic salvage efforts. 'They've basically taken the jewels off of the old lady in her grave,' said Ballard. 'But the old lady is still down there.'
Thirty-eight years have passed since Robert Ballard's fateful discovery. The Titanic has been lying in her watery grave for 110 years. How much longer does the ship of dreams have before her whole structure succumbs to nature? How many secrets does the wreckage hold? The mystery didn't end with Dr. Ballard's discovery. It only deepened the fascination. Here we are, still talking about the legendary ship. In a way, she truly is unsinkable.
The book was originally published in 1987. I recommend getting the 1995 or 1998 edition with the extended epilogue. It's a must-read for lovers of oceanography, exploration, engineering, and shipwrecks.
I will always picture her as I see her now in my mind's eye, upright on the bottom, dignified despite the decay and desecration and, finally, at rest.
Would purchasing this t-shirt make me an asshole? I mean, they're not wrong. She WAS fine when she left Belfast.
At this point, I should make a new bookshelf titled 'Shipwrecks.' I have become an expert on all things Titanic. (not really) The Discovery of the Titanic is a certified banger. I was mesmerized by Dr. Ballard's writing. This book made me want to explore the seas and make an important scientific discovery.
The world's largest and most luxurious ship sank in the early hours of April 15th, 1912. She didn't go gentle into that good night. The unsinkable ship broke in two, emitting bone-chilling noises. Her architect and captain both perished in the North Atlantic's icy-cold waters. Tragic, yes, but also ironic. More than 1,500 people lost their lives in the dark Atlantic.
Fast-forward 73 years. Explorers, scientists, historians, and Indiana Jones wannabes tried and failed to find the fabled Titanic. None were successful. Was the Titanic destined to remain hidden for all eternity? Not if Dr. Robert Ballard had anything to say about it.
Dr. Robert Ballard has quite an impressive resume - a Navy officer, professor of oceanography, geologist, and maritime archaeologist. He worked at Woods Hole, America's premier research institution. Dr. Ballard conducted several secret missions for the U.S. Navy. He located sunken submarines belonging to the Navy, which, in turn, funded his search for the Titanic. It gets even better. He discovered the Titanic during a secret mission to find sunken nuclear submarines. Damn it feels good to be a gangsta by Geto Boys comes to mind immediately.
The Titanic was nearly impossible to locate. It was like looking for a needle in a haystack. Achieving that goal would require state-of-the-art equipment, intelligence, determination, and luck. Ballard had already tried and failed to locate the Titanic. He couldn't afford to fail again. He joined forces with the French National Institute of Oceanography. The mission was co-led by a talented French engineer and oceanographer named Jean-Louis Michel.
Then, without any warning, I found myself looking into the eyes of a small, white smiling face. For a split second I thought a corpse had actually materialized - and it scared the hell out of me. Then I realized I was seeing a ceramic doll's head. My initial shock changed to sadness as the poignancy of the image sank in. Who had owned this toy? Had the girl been one of the survivors? Or had she clutched it tightly as she sank in the icy waters?
A feathery sea pen juts from a dangling chandelier
Robot Jason Jr. looks in the windows of the gymnasium
Weeks went by. Morale dropped. Dr. Ballard wasn't one to give up easily, but his optimism was waning with only four days left before the deadline. Maybe it wasn't meant to be. Dejected, Ballard retreated to his cabin. Then it happened. A crew member burst into his room. Argo, the deep-towed undersea video camera sled, named after the Argonauts' mythological ship, passed over a massive boiler. More pieces of wreckage came into view. The Titanic was somewhere close. Everyone was ecstatic. Then a crew member glanced at the clock and saw it was 2:00 a.m. The Titanic sank at 2:20 am. The mood shifted from celebratory to somber.
It would be a year until Dr. Ballard could visit the Titanic in person. The ship of dreams lay submerged nearly 4,000 meters (12,500 feet) beneath the cold Atlantic. It was quite the experience. The ghost-like bow, the eerie-looking empty lifeboat davits, a woman's shoe, a doll's head, a crystal chandelier still hanging decades later. The picture of the doll's head gave me goosebumps. It was like something out of a horror movie.
Neither historians nor the investigators believed the ship broke in half. Eyewitness accounts were deemed unreliable. The so-called experts were adamant in their belief that the ship sank intact. Ballard's discovery showed the undeniable truth: the Titanic snapped in two pieces.
Technology has come a long way since 1985/1986. Titanic director James Cameron has made more than thirty expeditions to the wreck. He discovered leaded glass windows, a brass bed, Turkish Baths, and Isidor and Ida Straus's luxurious stateroom (which served as inspiration for Rose's suite). Amazingly, the clock is still sitting upright on the fireplace mantel.
Our second view of the Titanic was breathtaking. As we glided soundlessly across the bottom on our single ski, out of the darkness loomed the razor's edge of the bow - the great ship towered above us and suddenly it seemed to be coming right at us. Then, as we rose in slow motion up the ghostly wall of the port bow, our running lights reflected off the broken glass of portholes in a way that made me think of cats' eyes gleaming in the dark. In places, the rust about them formed eyelashes; sometimes tears, as though the Titanic were weeping over her fate.
The wrecksite is both a memorial and a warning. The Titanic received seven ice warnings that day. Seven. Complacency kills.
The R.M.S. Titanic site was explored with her dignity in mind at all times, Jean-Louis Michel said at the press conference. Not everyone shared that sentiment. Many artifacts were taken from the wreck site, which angered survivors. (looking at you RMS Titanic Inc. and IFREMER). Robert Ballard has criticized Titanic salvage efforts. 'They've basically taken the jewels off of the old lady in her grave,' said Ballard. 'But the old lady is still down there.'
Thirty-eight years have passed since Robert Ballard's fateful discovery. The Titanic has been lying in her watery grave for 110 years. How much longer does the ship of dreams have before her whole structure succumbs to nature? How many secrets does the wreckage hold? The mystery didn't end with Dr. Ballard's discovery. It only deepened the fascination. Here we are, still talking about the legendary ship. In a way, she truly is unsinkable.
The book was originally published in 1987. I recommend getting the 1995 or 1998 edition with the extended epilogue. It's a must-read for lovers of oceanography, exploration, engineering, and shipwrecks.
I will always picture her as I see her now in my mind's eye, upright on the bottom, dignified despite the decay and desecration and, finally, at rest.
March 20, 2008
This book is half story of the Titanic sinking and half story of finding her again 70 or so years later. I found it fascinating and very well written. I've been a huge Titanic buff since I was in high school...long before the popular movie came out....and so have read many, many books about Titanic. This one continues to be my favorite. I've read it enough times that I had to buy myself a new copy recently because my old one was falling apart.
April 5, 2010
Awesome.
I have been obsessed with the Titanic for years, even before the blockbuster movie came out. (Though I do love the movie.) Although this book is a bit dated now, I still enjoyed it. It describes the finding of Titanic, once thought to be the ocean's greatest mystery, in 1985. It is amazing to me to think that 24 years ago when I was just being born, the Titanic was finally found. Subsequent dives by countless other people has made it almost lose its magic, so it was really cool to see how long it took Dr. Ballard to find the Titanic. I didn't realize that it took until 1985 to find her because no one knew where she was. I just thought it was because we didn't have the technology yet (half-true.)
One of the biggest discoveries was the fact that the ship did, indeed, crack in half. So many eyewitnesses swore they saw the ship break in half but no one believed them, insisting it must have sunk as a whole. Finding the bow and stern something like 1800 feet away from each other finally confirmed the stories of so many.
Having seen the movie countless times, I didn't think I would feel so affected when I saw the pictures of the almost completely destroyed stern and the remarkably well-preserved bow. But the pictures definitely left me breathless. This ship has been down in the ocean for almost 100 years now, and I can't believe the things that are still surviving - such as a chandelier, or window panes with the glass intact. Truly remarkable. They say it will take about a million years for the ocean to finally cover the ship up, and in that time rust-eating parasites will have taken care of it. It makes me shiver to think of it being gone forever one day.
I was lucky enough last year to visit the Titanic exhibit in Las Vegas, which was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. One of the most poignant parts of this book for me was the afterword that was added in 1998, where Dr. Ballard expresses displeasure at all the people who have since taken artifacts out of the water, instead of leaving them where they landed as an underwater museum. While I feel torn on the subject, seeing the artifacts in person took my breath away. I do feel like they took care of them, but the chapter seemed to indicate that other treasure hunters have now destroyed the ship irrevocably. His one happiness is that both the bow and stern are buried under so much mud, we would never be able to pull her out of the water. Thank goodness for that, as I do believe she needs to stay down there.
I'm so glad I read this book.
I have been obsessed with the Titanic for years, even before the blockbuster movie came out. (Though I do love the movie.) Although this book is a bit dated now, I still enjoyed it. It describes the finding of Titanic, once thought to be the ocean's greatest mystery, in 1985. It is amazing to me to think that 24 years ago when I was just being born, the Titanic was finally found. Subsequent dives by countless other people has made it almost lose its magic, so it was really cool to see how long it took Dr. Ballard to find the Titanic. I didn't realize that it took until 1985 to find her because no one knew where she was. I just thought it was because we didn't have the technology yet (half-true.)
One of the biggest discoveries was the fact that the ship did, indeed, crack in half. So many eyewitnesses swore they saw the ship break in half but no one believed them, insisting it must have sunk as a whole. Finding the bow and stern something like 1800 feet away from each other finally confirmed the stories of so many.
Having seen the movie countless times, I didn't think I would feel so affected when I saw the pictures of the almost completely destroyed stern and the remarkably well-preserved bow. But the pictures definitely left me breathless. This ship has been down in the ocean for almost 100 years now, and I can't believe the things that are still surviving - such as a chandelier, or window panes with the glass intact. Truly remarkable. They say it will take about a million years for the ocean to finally cover the ship up, and in that time rust-eating parasites will have taken care of it. It makes me shiver to think of it being gone forever one day.
I was lucky enough last year to visit the Titanic exhibit in Las Vegas, which was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. One of the most poignant parts of this book for me was the afterword that was added in 1998, where Dr. Ballard expresses displeasure at all the people who have since taken artifacts out of the water, instead of leaving them where they landed as an underwater museum. While I feel torn on the subject, seeing the artifacts in person took my breath away. I do feel like they took care of them, but the chapter seemed to indicate that other treasure hunters have now destroyed the ship irrevocably. His one happiness is that both the bow and stern are buried under so much mud, we would never be able to pull her out of the water. Thank goodness for that, as I do believe she needs to stay down there.
I'm so glad I read this book.
August 10, 2022
Great read if you are a Titanic fan. The author does not get too technical and shows much feeling for the story of the wreck. Great pictures also.
October 20, 2018
...Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on...
DI CAPRIOOO..ehm...volevo dire..JACK RESISTI! sto arrivando col canotto a salvarti! *.*
Fanc**o Rose e la sua porta galleggiante...ci stavate benissimo entrambi...
Se a sentire la parola "Titanic" non vi parte in testa la Celine Dion che canta, alternata all'orchestra di violini che suona mentre la nave affonda, state mentendo spudoratamente a voi stessi!Tanto non vi crede nessuno :P
Questo libro si merita il 99% delle stelline che GR mi consente di dare come votazione. Ballard, a cui va tutta la mia più infinita invidia, è riuscito non solo a trovare per primo il relitto del Titanic, ma anche a scendere con l'Alvin (il nome della capsula) a circa 4km di profondità e vederlo con i propri occhi! Aaahh una cosa che mi sarebbe sempre piaciuto fare (ad avere svariate montagne di soldi da buttare ovviamente...) fin da quando ho visto nel 1998 il film di Cameron.
Ballard inizia la sua narrazione con gli eventi, così come ricostruiti dai vari superstiti, di quello che successe quella notte del 1912, per poi passare a descrivere come sia nato in lui il desiderio di ritrovare la nave, le sue esperienze da oceanografo ed infine come sia riuscito nell'impresa.
Lui, ovviamente, tirando acqua al suo mulino, descrive il tutto principalmente in un'ottica scientifica: come hanno progettato i vari sistemi, pro e contro dei vari macchinari utilizzati (e di quelli ancora in fase di prototipo all'epoca), e i risvolti del loro utilizzo nelle future spedizioni marine.
Ecco, siccome io ho letto questo libro perché mi ha sempre affascinato la storia del Titanic, quindi delle potenzialità di utilizzare il JJ in altre missioni non mi interessa minimamente, ho trovato un po' pesante la parte scientifica. Devo dire, però, che senza non si sarebbe capita la metà delle cose narrate.
La cosa più interessante, comunque, sono le varie foto e ricostruzioni fatte al relitto e ai vari detriti trovati sul fondale intorno ai due tronconi della nave. è impressionante vedere come il troncone di prua sia quasi intatto, mentre i ponti di quello di poppa siano collassati, rendendolo quasi la metà dell'altro.
Fanno riflettere, e personalmente le ho trovate un colpo al cuore, soprattutto le foto degli oggetti di vita vissuta, come un paio di scarpe e la testa ancora intatta di una bambola.
Consiglio a tutti gli appassionati di questa tragica vicenda la lettura (se riuscite a recuperare una copia) di questo bellissimo libro.
I believe that the heart does go on...
DI CAPRIOOO..ehm...volevo dire..JACK RESISTI! sto arrivando col canotto a salvarti! *.*
Fanc**o Rose e la sua porta galleggiante...ci stavate benissimo entrambi...
Se a sentire la parola "Titanic" non vi parte in testa la Celine Dion che canta, alternata all'orchestra di violini che suona mentre la nave affonda, state mentendo spudoratamente a voi stessi!Tanto non vi crede nessuno :P
Questo libro si merita il 99% delle stelline che GR mi consente di dare come votazione. Ballard, a cui va tutta la mia più infinita invidia, è riuscito non solo a trovare per primo il relitto del Titanic, ma anche a scendere con l'Alvin (il nome della capsula) a circa 4km di profondità e vederlo con i propri occhi! Aaahh una cosa che mi sarebbe sempre piaciuto fare (ad avere svariate montagne di soldi da buttare ovviamente...) fin da quando ho visto nel 1998 il film di Cameron.
Ballard inizia la sua narrazione con gli eventi, così come ricostruiti dai vari superstiti, di quello che successe quella notte del 1912, per poi passare a descrivere come sia nato in lui il desiderio di ritrovare la nave, le sue esperienze da oceanografo ed infine come sia riuscito nell'impresa.
Lui, ovviamente, tirando acqua al suo mulino, descrive il tutto principalmente in un'ottica scientifica: come hanno progettato i vari sistemi, pro e contro dei vari macchinari utilizzati (e di quelli ancora in fase di prototipo all'epoca), e i risvolti del loro utilizzo nelle future spedizioni marine.
Ecco, siccome io ho letto questo libro perché mi ha sempre affascinato la storia del Titanic, quindi delle potenzialità di utilizzare il JJ in altre missioni non mi interessa minimamente, ho trovato un po' pesante la parte scientifica. Devo dire, però, che senza non si sarebbe capita la metà delle cose narrate.
La cosa più interessante, comunque, sono le varie foto e ricostruzioni fatte al relitto e ai vari detriti trovati sul fondale intorno ai due tronconi della nave. è impressionante vedere come il troncone di prua sia quasi intatto, mentre i ponti di quello di poppa siano collassati, rendendolo quasi la metà dell'altro.
Fanno riflettere, e personalmente le ho trovate un colpo al cuore, soprattutto le foto degli oggetti di vita vissuta, come un paio di scarpe e la testa ancora intatta di una bambola.
Consiglio a tutti gli appassionati di questa tragica vicenda la lettura (se riuscite a recuperare una copia) di questo bellissimo libro.
December 22, 2015
This is one of my favorite Titanic books. Dr. Robert Ballard explains in vivid detail about the expeditions he oversaw to finally locate the Titanic's shipwreck, once and for all. It took 73 years for the Titanic to be found after sinking, and he was the man who did it.
I'm quite amazed at the clarity with which Ballard recalls his expeditions. Every minute detail is documented, making the story lift off the pages in front of your eyes. You're not just reading through a documentary, but an intriguing story. Learn about the years that Ballard waited to locate the Titanic's shipwreck in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Discover the Titanic with him, through his own eyes, when he first saw the 1912 ship appear in front of him.
I acquired much knowledge about the types of tools and submersible vehicles that are used in deep-sea exploring. It was quite fascinating to learn about the daily processes and teamwork that is employed on such a tight schedule.
There are hundreds of pictures and diagrams that are included in this book, providing a refreshing atmosphere amongst all text knowledge you're soaking in. In addition to everything Ballard shares about his expeditions, he also includes several portions of the Titanic's history to help illustrate certain points of his discovery. Amazing book! I'll have to read it again someday.
I'm quite amazed at the clarity with which Ballard recalls his expeditions. Every minute detail is documented, making the story lift off the pages in front of your eyes. You're not just reading through a documentary, but an intriguing story. Learn about the years that Ballard waited to locate the Titanic's shipwreck in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Discover the Titanic with him, through his own eyes, when he first saw the 1912 ship appear in front of him.
I acquired much knowledge about the types of tools and submersible vehicles that are used in deep-sea exploring. It was quite fascinating to learn about the daily processes and teamwork that is employed on such a tight schedule.
There are hundreds of pictures and diagrams that are included in this book, providing a refreshing atmosphere amongst all text knowledge you're soaking in. In addition to everything Ballard shares about his expeditions, he also includes several portions of the Titanic's history to help illustrate certain points of his discovery. Amazing book! I'll have to read it again someday.
May 22, 2023
I picked up this book specifically for the pictures inside, with no real intention of reading it. However, as it happened, the book worked for a few challenges so I ended up reading. A very easy quick read, written for the diver and scientist. Honestly there were parts that I skimmed through, lots of diver and technology that, for me. understanding all of it was not going to happen.
As I said though, a quick interesting read for The Titanic crowd and the divers. These two groups would probably rate this higher than I.
As I said though, a quick interesting read for The Titanic crowd and the divers. These two groups would probably rate this higher than I.
October 11, 2016
I got this book several years ago and picked it up again during the Christmas season. This is a beautiful pictorial of Dr. Ballard's expedition to the sunken Titanic. The book is laid out like an adventure along the lines of the discovery of King Tut's tomb. The reader also feels the excitement of the discovery and the passion that it took to fulfill this quest. I recommend this book to anyone who is a lover of archaeology, exploration, scientific expeditions and adventure.
May 10, 2008
There are so many books that have been written about the Titanic, but for readability and information I consider this one of the best. Ballard's team discovered the location of the Titanic in 1985 and then photographed the massive ship with specially designed remote imaging equipment and a three-man submarine. In this book, the photos are compared to pre-iceberg photos of the same locations. A solid account of the sinking is given along with the story of how they found her. It is a bit dated now because so much more has been written and discovered about the ship.
June 3, 2018
This time the Titanic from different aspect. Some things are really interesting and new to me. There are also a few things which are too detailed and there you can easily become bored or not so interested in reading.
But the whole book is good. You can feel with Ballard... Amazing and a lot of gorgeous pictures!
But the whole book is good. You can feel with Ballard... Amazing and a lot of gorgeous pictures!
February 27, 2016
First written after the 1985 discovery of the shipwreck by famed deep sea explorer Robert Ballard, it is still as interesting and fascinating as it was then. A must read for all Titanic enthusiasts.
May 12, 2020
The expedition that paved the way for all others. Re-read of a favorite. Ken Marschall's paintings have always fascinated me.
May 30, 2020
Fantastic! I'm someone who has held a passion for the Titanic story close to my heart for a long time. This is a book written with great respect, Ballard has lived his Titanic journey and the reverence he shows this once majestic ship is truly beautiful. Read this if you are a Titanic (and her story) enthusiast. Even if you are not, it's a well written account of the joint US/French discovery mission. Thank you for bringing her back to the world, Dr. Ballard.
October 13, 2018
This book provides an interesting in-depth look at the technologies used and all of the challenges that were faced while searching for, and photographing, the Titanic. Included in this book are impressive photographs that help to illustrate the story. This is a must read for anyone interested in the famous ship.
December 10, 2022
I knew this would be interesting, but I had no idea just how engrossing it would be. I was invested from the start by not just Ballard's unquenchable desire to find the Titanic, but also his passion for underwater exploration in general.
September 11, 2023
3.5 stars
Robert Ballard was a scientist who wanted to explore the ocean in hopes of finding the Titanic wreckage. This tells of his journey to do so (he was part of the first team to discover where it was on the ocean floor in 1985), as he created some of the video technology to do that.
This was mostly good. There were a few parts that got bogged down in detail explaining the technology or what was working (or not) that was, at times, a bit too much for me. As with many nonfiction books, it was a slow read, but overall, I still liked it. It was unfortunate that, in finding the wreckage, others followed suit and “raided” the site. Ballard had hoped that everything would remain there in its own graveyard, but of course, that didn’t happen, in the end. At the time, he was surprised at how much interest there still was in the Titanic. I did like how he would sometimes explain what they were seeing as they explored, then tie it to the real people and/or happenings on the ship in 1912. There were some amazing (colour) photographs in the book, as well – pictures of what he saw when he was underwater looking at the Titanic.
Robert Ballard was a scientist who wanted to explore the ocean in hopes of finding the Titanic wreckage. This tells of his journey to do so (he was part of the first team to discover where it was on the ocean floor in 1985), as he created some of the video technology to do that.
This was mostly good. There were a few parts that got bogged down in detail explaining the technology or what was working (or not) that was, at times, a bit too much for me. As with many nonfiction books, it was a slow read, but overall, I still liked it. It was unfortunate that, in finding the wreckage, others followed suit and “raided” the site. Ballard had hoped that everything would remain there in its own graveyard, but of course, that didn’t happen, in the end. At the time, he was surprised at how much interest there still was in the Titanic. I did like how he would sometimes explain what they were seeing as they explored, then tie it to the real people and/or happenings on the ship in 1912. There were some amazing (colour) photographs in the book, as well – pictures of what he saw when he was underwater looking at the Titanic.
August 15, 2019
Does what it says on the tin.
Unfortunately, Ballard is not a particularly engaging writer, so while the chapters actually talking about exploring the Titanic with their tiny submarine are very interesting, the rest of the book is kind of tedious. I'm left without much to say about it.
Unfortunately, Ballard is not a particularly engaging writer, so while the chapters actually talking about exploring the Titanic with their tiny submarine are very interesting, the rest of the book is kind of tedious. I'm left without much to say about it.
October 8, 2010
The rating says it all - a superb book! I've lost count how many times I've read it, and will no doubt read it many more times.
June 2, 2025
Ever had that sinking feeling when reading a book? ha,ha I am joking obviously. Nearly 40 years since its discovery, the recent TITAN disaster only highlights the dangers of underwater expeditions, even with today's modern technology. Ballard's 1985 discovery started a whole new history of the Titanic and helped humanity learn more about the 1912 disaster. A brilliant book I bought for 50 pence from our local library.
October 29, 2024
Great read. There’s something eerie about the Titanic sitting at the bottom of the ocean right now as I type this. This was a fun read about the search for it.
Would I recommend it to friends? Probably not. I’d recommend they watch the movie though. Y’know… The one with Leo and Kate Winslet. That movie is awesome.
Would I recommend it to friends? Probably not. I’d recommend they watch the movie though. Y’know… The one with Leo and Kate Winslet. That movie is awesome.
May 28, 2018
Erste Hälfte top. Danach zieht sich's etwas.
Es ist bestimmt spannender im U-Boot zu sitzen und aus dem Bullauge zu schauen als darüber im Detail zu lesen wie sie von A nach B fahren und hier eine Tasse und dort und eine Badewanne sichten.
Aber insgesamt schon interessant und gut bebildert.
Es ist bestimmt spannender im U-Boot zu sitzen und aus dem Bullauge zu schauen als darüber im Detail zu lesen wie sie von A nach B fahren und hier eine Tasse und dort und eine Badewanne sichten.
Aber insgesamt schon interessant und gut bebildert.
July 2, 2023
I was reading the news about the OceanGate Titan loss week before last, and I noticed that the New York Times infographic credited this book as the source material for the map of the wreck of the Titanic. I was curious so I checked to see if the library had it, and there it was.
It's a very interesting read. This book was written by the head of the expedition which located the lost Titanic in 1985 and was published shortly after. It is primarily about the reasons behind the search and the equipment used, which I found fascinating. As a child of the 70s-80s I grew up watching shows like Jacques Cousteau specials (did you know Cousteau invented the aqualung? I did not), NOVA and The Nature of Things, and I do remember a lot of fuss about ALVIN, the technologically-advanced deep-sea sub used to reach the wreck, and its cutting-edge robotic underwater camera Jason Junior. But the time I just watched the shows...I had no clue how monumental this technological advancement was, and that it was rather like sending a man to Mars and having him come back to tell the tale.
It is poignant that on Ballard's final dive to the wreckage they left a plaque behind, commemorating those lost on the Titanic and asking people who explore after them to take care and not hotdog around the site. Maybe now, in light of the most recent tragedy, that wish will be respected.
It's a very interesting read. This book was written by the head of the expedition which located the lost Titanic in 1985 and was published shortly after. It is primarily about the reasons behind the search and the equipment used, which I found fascinating. As a child of the 70s-80s I grew up watching shows like Jacques Cousteau specials (did you know Cousteau invented the aqualung? I did not), NOVA and The Nature of Things, and I do remember a lot of fuss about ALVIN, the technologically-advanced deep-sea sub used to reach the wreck, and its cutting-edge robotic underwater camera Jason Junior. But the time I just watched the shows...I had no clue how monumental this technological advancement was, and that it was rather like sending a man to Mars and having him come back to tell the tale.
It is poignant that on Ballard's final dive to the wreckage they left a plaque behind, commemorating those lost on the Titanic and asking people who explore after them to take care and not hotdog around the site. Maybe now, in light of the most recent tragedy, that wish will be respected.
February 17, 2023
The fascinating story of how Ballard and his colleagues found the Titanic. I enjoyed how detailed the story is which puts the emphasis on the science and technology used in the discovery and the story seems modest compared to the bombastic self-promotion that might have been expected. Written before James Cameron's Titanic movie, the story feels more serious and reverent towards the wreck and the story of the people who both died and survived the disaster.
There have been better pictures since this book was written in the 1980s, but the closeness to the events gives this book an authenticity that more recent accounts lack.
The book is easy to read with a lot of interesting scientific details and depictions.
There have been better pictures since this book was written in the 1980s, but the closeness to the events gives this book an authenticity that more recent accounts lack.
The book is easy to read with a lot of interesting scientific details and depictions.
May 17, 2023
Found and purchased the local library. So now I've read up on two famous watery disasters recently. The other was "Dead Wake"(about the Lusitania. Very interesting... Many years ago I read " A Night to Remember", at the time the gold standard of Titanic books. I'm gonna look this up - meanwhile...
"(Oh well) it was sad Oh glory it was sad(hallelujah!)
It was sad when that great ship went down(to the bottom of the).
Husbands and wives, little children lost their lives.(An "unauthorized" line went: "Uncles and aunts, little children lost their pants")
It was sa-ad when that gre-at ship went down."
There, that's better. I remember singing this as a kid. I saw "A Night to remember" on our 50's TV set and read the book at some point. Long ago...
"(Oh well) it was sad Oh glory it was sad(hallelujah!)
It was sad when that great ship went down(to the bottom of the).
Husbands and wives, little children lost their lives.(An "unauthorized" line went: "Uncles and aunts, little children lost their pants")
It was sa-ad when that gre-at ship went down."
There, that's better. I remember singing this as a kid. I saw "A Night to remember" on our 50's TV set and read the book at some point. Long ago...
November 24, 2024
This was an amazing book. It had lots of interesting technical and environmental details throughout. At the same time there was a sense of urgency and desperation as Ballard pushed his team, and most of all, himself to work to important deadlines in achieving his and supporting organisations' goals. It was most impressive that despite all of the public attraction and unwelcome trophy/souvenir hunters Ballard still showed a dutiful respect for what the Titanic wreck represented - an important memorial to the many lives that were lost in 1912.
Highly recommended to anyone interested in 'recent' history.
Highly recommended to anyone interested in 'recent' history.
July 10, 2023
My interest in the Titanic peaked after recent events surrounding Oceangate CEO Stockton Rush.
There's a sense of adventure that this story conveys. I must've bet that Mr. Ballard felt like Indiana Jones after discovering the Titanic. The ending chapters spoke the most to me as Mr. Ballard talks about the future of oceanography and the Titanic. To the dismay of those that might want to strip the Titanic of its possessions, I too like the author believe that the gravesite be left respected and undisturbed.
There's a sense of adventure that this story conveys. I must've bet that Mr. Ballard felt like Indiana Jones after discovering the Titanic. The ending chapters spoke the most to me as Mr. Ballard talks about the future of oceanography and the Titanic. To the dismay of those that might want to strip the Titanic of its possessions, I too like the author believe that the gravesite be left respected and undisturbed.
April 26, 2025
I could wax lyrical about this for ages, purely cos I'm obsessed with the Titanic.
But on a subjective note this was a fantastic read, for those unacquainted with the ship and her history it goes into a lot of detail.
A minute, and painstaking reconstruction of the search to find her in the 80s.
Subsequent explorations of her and an inexhaustible wealth of detail and pictures gives a visual for readers too.
A brilliant read, very moving and a must for anyone with a genuine interest of the subject.
One of my favourites this year so far.
But on a subjective note this was a fantastic read, for those unacquainted with the ship and her history it goes into a lot of detail.
A minute, and painstaking reconstruction of the search to find her in the 80s.
Subsequent explorations of her and an inexhaustible wealth of detail and pictures gives a visual for readers too.
A brilliant read, very moving and a must for anyone with a genuine interest of the subject.
One of my favourites this year so far.
May 14, 2025
After attending the Titanic Experience, I was intrigued to read more by Robert Ballard, who discovered the location of the Titanic back in 1985. I remember the ripple of amazement that followed his discovery.
This book is very worthwhile, and shows the "competition" to find the Titanic among different teams. Ballard and his crew made some logical assumptions, and that led them to find the debris trail from the stern (which was in much worse shape) all the way to the bow (which was in very good shape).
This book is very worthwhile, and shows the "competition" to find the Titanic among different teams. Ballard and his crew made some logical assumptions, and that led them to find the debris trail from the stern (which was in much worse shape) all the way to the bow (which was in very good shape).
May 30, 2023
This is Dr. Robert Ballard's account of how he discovered the Titanic lying on the bottom of the sea after 73 years without being found, It is insightful, informative and fascinating to read as he explains the triumphs and frustrations associated with his determination to find answers as to what happened to the great ship. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a glimpse into this historic event.
January 18, 2025
I’ve been interested in the Titanic since around 2nd or 3rd grade, and I normally get into a Titanic phase twice a year. In October, I got really interested again and bought a lot of Titanic books. This one was really great because Robert Ballard (who discovered the shipwreck!) wrote it! It was so awesome to hear his stories about his expeditions and discovering the shipwreck, and I learned so much information from it. It was a really great book and I definitely recommend!
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