Titanic

Book excerpt: “By far the most thorough and well-written investigative book on RMS Titanic’s short life and tragic sinking that this reviewer has read . . . fascinating.” —Choice Reviews The sinking of the Titanic on her maiden voyage in April 1912 was one of the defining moments of the twentieth century. Books and films about the disaster that befell the iconic liner are commonplace, and it seems almost inconceivable that anything fresh can emerge. But there is one angle that has not been covered, and Titanic examines the events of April 1912 from that completely new perspective. John Lang brings the standards of a twenty-first-century accident investigation to bear on the events of April 1912, using his expertise and his investigator’s instinct to determine exactly what happened a century ago, and what important lessons still need to be learned. “A fascinating account . . . this book looks at the facts from a new perspective and uncovers some unexpected findings. A worthwhile read.” —Royal Naval Sailing Association “Provides genuine insight into what almost certainly happened before, during and after the ice sliced through the five compartments on the liner’s starboard bow.” —Viewpoint “Lang, with his experience of marine accident investigation has found an angle in examining events of April 1912 from the perspective of an MAIB officer. His analysis is supported by detailed background material enabling the reader to understand the events of the collision and sinking more fully as he brings the standards of a 21st century investigation to bear on the events in determining exactly what happened and why.” —Flash