John Blake (2)

This pocketbook has been meticulously researched and is very well-crafted. Although it is a modern book, it is written in the style of a guidebook for Titanic passengers, so the tone imitates other writings from that era. The guidebook even includes some primary sources from that time, and it’s difficult to tell where the “real” material ends and the modern sections begin. Blake really nailed the writing to get such a seamless blend. This guidebook is somewhat fictional insofar as it show more reads as one big primary source, even though it was (mostly) only written recently. However, its content is nonfiction, and this has to be one of the most detailed accounts I’ve read of the construction of Titanic.

I really liked the level of detail, and the illustrations, charts, diagrams, etc. added a great deal to the experience of reading. I struggled through all the technical information about the ship; those sections used technical jargon without defining any of the terms. I appreciate that someone with more knowledge of ships might enjoy those passages—and I love that they weren’t oversimplified—but they also weren’t something that I could understand. It’s that same attention to deal that made other parts of the book so appealing. I read the menus from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class dining saloons; I learned about the history of the White Star Line and its rise in the mid-nineteenth century. I looked at maps showing the layout of all ten decks of the ship. I read the rules for flying different flags. I read the prices for sending telegrams, as well as the hours that either gender could use the swimming pool. It’s full of details about all sorts of things. My only criticism is that it should have been clearer where the primary sources ended. There is a list in the back of the book, but since it doens’t include page numbers, it’s hard to know what sections are included under a particular name. All in all, an unforgettable read. show less

vThis book is a delight, full of interesting surprises, beautifully produced and with copious illustrations of ancient charts. It is full of interest as well as giving a generous appraisal of the development of charts of our waters. Of considerable surprise is how little was recorded in the 15th century and how much was recorded in detail 200 years later. Do not expect to find your favourite creek described with so much to cover, all of fascinating interest.

GQ