The newer items in each section will tend to be placed at the top when they're new, to make it easier for return-viewers of this page.
Added to List Recently
Ghosts of the Abyss (2 books, soundtrack, more)
From Publishers Weekly - "The Titanic looks like, well, a wreck in this lavishly illustrated coffee-table companion to Titanic director Cameron's 3-D undersea documentary. Titanic historian Lynch and artist and Titanic buff Marschall recap the story of the ship's doomed maiden voyage, describe the technology and logistics of undersea film-making, and ponder the parallels between the Titanic tragedy and the 9/11 attacks, which occurred during filming ("both events were met with outrage and disbelief-and the tragedies would remain indelibly etched on the collective memory of the world") ... The authors juxtapose archival images of the ship's Edwardian luxury decor and furnishings with photos of their waterlogged remains, and it is here-and in the viewer's imagination-that the pictures become haunting." The long L.A. Times story on making the movie.
The several editorial reviews are very positive but the user comments are not, particularly. This seems to be a gathering of reports of individual experiences from the American and British Inquiries which previous books had not bothered with, put together by a professor of literature at U.C. San Diego. Probably easier than plowing through the Inquiries, though.
Editorial review mentions "Explains the fascinating ship-board beginnings of over 200 words and expressions, with the author's own delightful cartoons..."
David Brown, a professional marriner, "...has pieced together key first-hand accounts to create his version of the ship's logbook...He concludes that the ship did not in fact strike the iceberg; instead, it grounded on a protruding shelf below the waterline. Had the captain not insisted on forging ahead, countless lives might have been saved. Brown also sheds new light on actions taken by the crew, which have up to now baffled us, and exposes lies told by surviving officers and British Admiralty during official inquiries, aimed at protecting careers and political interests" [quotes are from the publisher PR] "...Most startling of all, however, is evidence that the ship might have stayed afloat long enough to permit the rescue of all passengers and crew if Captain Smith, at the behest of his employer, Bruce Ismay, had not given the order to resume steaming." No word of mouth on this yet.
Steve A. Santini / Paperback, September 2000
This is new and no word on it yet, but he had an exhibition in Prince George, BC, which was said to be made up of artifacts picked up by recovery vessels in 1912 apparently belonging mainly to survivers (rather than retrieved by later salvage efforts). George Behe was quoted on the Titanic history newsgroup as saying that "Santini has spoken with relatives of men who embalmed victims' bodies on the funeral ships, and these men spoke privately of having seen bullet wounds on some of the bodies" so there may be relatively new info in general here.
A book long-awaited by members of the alt.history.ocean-liners.titanic newsgroup. "Provides rare first-person accounts from survivors of the disaster. The sinking of the Lusitania has long been perceived as the reason the United States went to war in 1917. But according to Daniel Allen Butler, author of Unsinkable, the story is much more complex. Butler makes extensive use of primary accounts, letting the participants tell their stories in their own words."
The 48-page book focuses "on the technological advances and remarkable feats of engineering that went into the ship's construction, as well
as the flaws that led to its ultimate demise... [and] examines the impact of the disaster on shipbuilding and maritime regulations. Stunning historical photographs, and rare documents and memorabilia from Titanic specialist Steve Santini's private collection." Notable for the educational toy that gets good marks from all buyers.
Dusk to Dawn : Survivor Accounts of the Last Night on the Titanic
Paul J. Quinn / Hardcover - 288 pages in full color on glossy paper (Sept '99), shipping 4-6 weeks. I checked a few places and see that none of the online stores provide a discount on this special item.
A new book from Paul Quinn (who wrote the riveting "Titanic at Two A.M.") which features extensive survivor testimony and all
new artwork. Excerpts from survivor reports detail their thoughts, emotions and what they encounter from 8pm that night until dawn when Carpathia takes aboard the survivors from the last lifeboats. As researcher George Behe has reminded some of us, Quinn is known "for his meticulous research," and his original artwork (27 original color paintings) will be a bonus. Included also are 80
black and white archive photographs, with diagrams and inserts that complement the narrative.
Reviews (from Amazon quoted here earlier) include the following:
"TITANIC: FORTUNE & FATE not only deals with the history of the TITANIC disaster but encourages deeper participation by providing each reader with the experience of what it was like to be aboard. This book is not to be missed." --Don Lynch, author of Titanic: An Illustrated History
"Here are artifacts and memorabilia from the voyage of the TITANIC that can be seen nowhere else. Compelling, personal, sad, and lovely . . . the images are unforgettable." --Ken Marschall, illustrator of Titanic: An Illustrated History
From an Amazon user-review (Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens)
"Jennifer Carter's absolutely enthralling
story of how she transformed herself from bank teller to world
adventurer has more real-life action than a dozen thriller
novels. She's faced challenges ...skydiving with a defective
parachute, to being trapped INSIDE a shark cage WITH a hungry
shark(!) . . .The passages of her first dive to the Titanic are
poetry and do justice to the magnificence of the legendary ship
herself."
Anatomy of the Titanic
Tom McCluskie /Hardcover - 144 pages (October 1998) , shipping within 2-3 days.
Editorial review/description says:
"A comprehensive deck-by-deck tour of the most famous ship in history. Includes nearly 250 b/w photographs, plans, drawings, and cutaways. Tom McCluskie is the former Archive Manager for Harland & Wolff, builders of the Titanic, and was H & W's Technical Liaison to 20th Century Fox in the production of James Cameron's Titanic. McCluskie is also the co-author of Titanic & Her Sisters Olympic & Britannic."
Consumers report that strangely enough, McCluskie identifies some photos of Olympic as Titanic but that otherwise it's worthwhile. Most give it 5 stars, while one gives it only one star.
(Also see the set of cards for 90 cents in the box below.) Amazon's synopsis:
"...24 reproductions of historic photographs and paintings ... All cards are identified by brief, descriptive notes, perforated and easily detachable for sending or saving."
(Was $30 retail)
James Cameron/Don Lynch / Published Nov 1998 / FOX 3 CD-ROM set
From formerly existing Fox Interactive info page on the 3 CD-ROM set:
"... search through more than 1,200 pages of eyewitness testimony from Titanic survivors; witness
Cameron's deep dive expedition to the wreck site; take a virtual tour of the ship, exploring
spacious decks and lavish interiors in full 360-degree rotation; watch a computer
simulation of how the ship went down; and control interactive 3D models to examine the
ship and the wreck.
... also includes film scenes depicting historically accurate events not
included in the theatrical release..."
"... a Titanic companion, anthology, browsing book, and reference, The Complete Titanic is a Titanic time capsule that contains articles, essays, and even a complete novella, as well as lists, charts, photos, survivor accounts, court documents, Senate testimonies, a Whos Who, a massive timeline, and much, much more.
... plus photos, documents, illustrations throughout, and three 8-page glossy inserts of
photos (many in color) detailing everything from the ships construction to the 1997 movie."
Haven't seen this one, but friends highly recommend it.
Marschall's paintings in larger than usual format, with somewhat more detail then. People rave about the beauty of his work. Emphasis is on the paintings, with commentary on each, rather than on the story of the Titanic event.
Apparently Biel's publishers have encouraged him to publish more on society's response to the Titanic's demise. The book is just out in October, and Laura Cole and others on the alt.history.ocean-liners.titanic have recommended it. Biel has put together a collection of editorials, songs, poems, sermons, ads even, that reflect the varied perspectives on what it all means, not to mention the intense impact on so many, even 86+ years later.
Janis of the alt.history.ocean-liners.titanic newsgroup recommended it early on for the photographs and new accounts. Others have pointed out a couple of unsettling inaccuracies in the narration of more familiar events. Consensus is that the photographs of the people involved are definitely worthwhile but that the accompanying photographs of items they MIGHT have owned or used are a bit of a stretch.
Amazon review includes the following:
"... the first to commemorate the women and children on board. Presented here are personal interviews with survivors and their relatives, and biographies of the women and children as well as the male passengers and crew with whom they had contact. The passengers' own voices are recorded in diaries, letters, and newspaper stories. Schematics of the vessel show where the passengers were at the time of the sinking ... This book contains ... a comprehensive index..."
My Basic List of Intriguing Items
BOOKS
A Night to Remember (The one essential Titanic book)
Walter Lord / Mass Market Paperback / This edition published 1997, 20% discount
(The large Niagra print hardcover edition is about $30 compared to $5 for the paperback, and is not expected to be reprinted for another 3-5 weeks as of today (11/8/98). 1997 edition.)
The Classic - Lord's description of events based on direct survivor accounts - riveting
Good for the car. This is about $12.
I saw two other audiocassette versions using other readers, but they are about $46 to $56 and must be special-ordered. They appear to be NOT abridged however and have 1998 dates.
Lord's updated look at this event, 10 years after the classic "A Night to Remember" involves new material and some reconsideration of events. A must-read, of course.
A large coffeetable-book version of the story of that night, filled with excellent illustrations and photographs. Very readable text is organized very well. Don Lynch was a consulting expert for Cameron's movie, as well as for the excellent 4-hour A&E video documentary. One of the must-have books.
A must-buy treasure at a bargain price. This volume includes the books by survivors Archibald Gracie and Lawrence Beesley, as well as Titanic memoirs by Commander Lightoller, and the NY times interview with wireless operator Harold Bride.
Titanic : A Survivor's Story and the Sinking of the S.S. Titanic
Achibald Gracie, plus the account by Jack Thayer / Paperback/ 2nd edition, 2/18/98, 20% discount (Retail $14.95)
Also, the AudioCassette (Unabridged) version of Titanic, by Archibald Gracie ($28.95. It is not clear that this is based on the book that also carries Thayer's account, though Amazon puts user-reviews of the paperback version onto the page for the audiobook version too. Doesn't sound like to me. But for those who like to listen in their cars, it may be worth the hefty $27.95
The paperback, for sure, carries the Thayer account, which Winocour's doesn't, but Winocour carries Beesley's book, and also the smaller accounts mentioned in the book listed above this one.
A stunning day-to-day account using clippings from newspapers from 1912 - very rich material that includes the days before and the months after the disaster. A must-buy
Excellent account of the emotion-filled aftermath with cooly intelligent analysis of events based on testimony of surviving passengers, officers, and crew. His sympathetic description of Senator Smith's strengths and ultimate effectiveness differs from conventional wisdom of that time and, alone, is a fascinating story. It amazes me no movie has been made of the American Inquiry with its rich accounts and confrontations, not to mention its colorful and aggressively inquisitive and justice-seeking (detractors said 'publicity-seeking') senator. The author was one of a panel of experts in the excellent 4-hour A&E documentary.
A fascinating look at possible truths withheld in rumored arrangements between White Star and its surviving crew in connection with the unsafe navigation that fateful night. Methodically researched and analyzed, references cited for every item reported. A must-read for anyone interested in the mystery of that event. While a small volume and more a booklet, it's rich in detail, with citations and references, for statements and testimony from that time that we're not likely to find in the usual Titanic book. An Original.
The author was one of a panel of experts in the excellent 4-hour A&E documentary.
A beautiful book of letters, articles by Titanic passengers, crew, and officers, from Southampton, including new material from the less-heard lower-class passengers and crew
For those who can't afford the $99 unedited print-version, Kuntz of the NY Times provides this edited version of fascinating survivor testimony, which comes with a very useful index. (Also see audiocassette version below.)
The Cameron/Lynch 3-CD set, released Oct 98, includes full-searchable-text of the American Inquiry, for a retail price of $35, with much lower street-prices. ($17 in one case -- see newer offerings in top section)
******* May 23, 1999 Note: I've added a link to the excellent Titanic Inquiry Project put together and placed online by the estimable forces of the alt.history.ocean-liners.titanic newsgroup, coordinated by Rob Ottmers. These include complete transcriptions of the American Inquiry (and soon, the British one as well), with links to online websites for biographies and other detail.
Also be sure to read the credits for all involved, at both the "About" and the "Thanks" sites. There is no cost to access this work, and the text files are downloadable. Kudos to all involved.
Good for the car. Though even more edited than Kuntz's edition, there should still be plenty of gripping and enlightening testimony for anyone stranded on today's freeways
This is the March '98 reprinting of the 92-page summary of the hearings on the causes for the collision and sinking.
*This is included on the Cameron/Lynch 3-CD set, released Oct 98 and priced at $35, retail, with much lower street-prices.*
Beautiful black & white photographs taken before Father O'Donnell left the ship
The Discovery of the Titanic
Robert D. Ballard, Rick Archbold / Paperback / Published 1995, 20% discount.
(The hardcover edition, 1998 is sold at a 30% discount but is double the price.)
Robert Ballard describes his discovery of the Titanic. Includes rare archival photos and charts, Color inserts - Paperback version revised in '95. Hardback in '98. Very dramatic.
An up-to-date, well-written re-telling of events first described in Lord's classic, with a few new details and an eloquent summary. Includes sections on the building of the ship and emphasizes the context of the times. A jacket blurb from Walter Lord calls this "Masterful" and that's a pretty good recommendation. Available these days at remaindered pricing in larger cities.
Titanic at Two A.M.
Paul J. Quinn / Hardcover / Published 1997, 30% discount
Vivid recreation of the last 20 minutes of the Titanic's life. While not new material, it organizes the information, which includes supporting illustrations, to show the probable sequence of events which have often been isolated in our minds, from previous reads. Better proof-reading would have helped, but the chronological approach is gripping.
Titanic: Triumph and Tragedy
Charles A. Haas(Contributor), John P. Eaton / Hardcover / Published 1995, 30% discount
A large book that attempts to cover a lot, though I've seen more detail in other books, but its best feature is a big collection of photographs of passengers and crew of Titanic. I'd prefer somewhat larger pictures than the many smaller ones crowded together on some pages, but the book is already pretty heavy. Worth it just for the pictures. What a collection.
A recent, edited, edition of the 1912 book written close to the event. and sold house to house in 1912. Colorful and a basic source though the stories are sensationalized as was the custom then, even more than now, and while it should be read for insight into what people were saying in the days immediately following the disaster, there was not enough time to check the reliability of all the information just a month after the incident. Still, a fascinating read with cautions that apply to any media account close to an event.
Violet Jessop's memoirs are not about the Titanic itself, but her very articulate descriptions of life as a stewardess on the oceanliners of that day are written with a wry sense of humor. Only 3 pages are devoted to her Titanic experience, but this amazing gal also managed to find herself, after the 1912 disaster, on the Britannic when it sank during the war. Born in Argentina, of Irish parents, she went to sea at the age of 21. Interesting memories of a worker on the great ships.
This novel which focuses on the probable experiences of musicians on the Titanic revolves around the lives of fictional band members. The book gets high ratings, by book reviewers and by regulars on the Titanic newsgroup, for its look into what a ship musican's life was like. Kirkus Associates says, "A shimmering, magical evocation of a Europe as yet untouched by world wars, and a deft, convincing combination of personal and public tragedy. First-rate storytelling." Good cover illustration on the paperback edition, but odd one on the hardcover version.
"Film Editor" recommends this box (as do newsgroup members), describing it as "a set of facsimiles of papers related to the disaster . . . deck plans to the ship, a passenger's account of his escape, a certificate written a month before the disaster stating that there were only enough lifeboats to save a third of the passengers, the Titanic's final telegram, and commentary and editorials written shortly after the ship's sinking..."
I don't have the book but others recommend it for a scholarly, if dry but humorous, look at the social impact of the Titanic disaster. I've seen Biel in interviews and he's eager to remain a bit apart of what he considers a cultish interest by many.
A 4-volume set, 192 minutes - the video documentary to have - extensive footage from that time and interviews with survivors. The narrative, enhanced by beautifully used photographs from that time and interwoven with commentary by Titanic experts, is probably the most powerful documentary I've seen on this subject.
DVD: Titanica - in IMAX format "Narrated by Leonard Nimoy and shot by IMAX on 70mm film, Titanica reveals the clearest motion pictures ever captured of the Titanic...startling images of the long-lost ruin contrasted with never-before-seen 1912 archival photos..." (1992 IMAX version)
Titanic:Tragedy at Sea/2 Vols. MADACY Entertainment (Canada) /Documentary/VHS Tape / Published 1998, discount price $9.99
In addition to the $9.99 set of 2 described below, BigStar offers an additional two videos ("Captain of the Titanic" and "Titanic: End of an Era") - 4 videos total, in the same VHS box, which is titled The Titanic Collection" (VHS, $19.99) and ships in 2 days. See the more heftily-priced 5-film VHS and DVD boxes too at this page.
The basic 2-volume set, 110 minutes, is a bit of a treasure for this bargain price. It has a dryer approach than the A&E special but is very informative and includes older survivors not seen in later documentaries.
The 4-volume-version -- two other videos apparently made by the same company --is probably worth it.
The 2-volume set includes long, unedited footage from the Carpathia, the stewards "acting up" in shots similar to those in film found recently, shots of various areas of the Olympic used "as" Titanic for newsreel shots, newspaper frontpages of the day.
Also, a young Walter Lloyd in some sequences (and the current Lord talking about his happiness over the movie ANTR), some stills from Dorothy Gibson's quick Titanic movie right after the disaster, interesting extended shots from a German movie, shown in both German and English versions, even excellent recent shots of the wreck
The 2nd video from the set shows visits to Southampton's Maritime Museum, to Hartley's home town where the 'Titanic Ensemble' plays commemorative music from 1912, and to the White Swan Hotel in Northumberland where the video shows, in detail, the complete First Class Lounge and staircase from the sister ship 'Olympic.'
"Total Titanic, A Night to Remember "CD-ROM with Lynch and Marschall commenting on every scene from the movie as you watch
Byron Preiss Multimedia / CD-ROM / Published June 1998 by Simon & Schuster Interactive, no discount from Amazon, but quick delivery at a rather expensive $39.95
People say the CD-ROM is fun. I have only the laserdisc version myself. Lynch and Marschall discuss each scene as it occurs. You can watch the movie as is, or with only video as the guys talk about each scene and point certain things out, or you can watch and hear the movie while they are also talking in the background. Rewinding is of course easy. The disc comes with a searchable database and timeline.
I have no idea what this is like. Would appreciate hearing from anyone who's bought and viewed it. Am intrigued by the price
I've bought several other documentaries but haven't had time to sort out one from the other. The first two above certainly stand out though. Will get to the others later. Note that Reel. Com has some network connection problems at night. Good site, however.
There is another good movie FAQ, by Jim Sadur, who contributed to the original newsgroup FAQ. His page focuses on "James Cameron's 'Titanic' and Titanic history . "
Also, I've put up DVD-ROM samples for those interested in how Cameron's Titanic looks on a computer system's using a DVD-ROM (I have a 17" screen and use a $90 generic DVD card, with Cyberlink's software, which allows screen-capture of any moment). These are samples of the quality of the work they did on this DVD. They decided against extra scenes (though the several-minute trailer which includes scenes rightly cut, story-wise, is included), which makes it a less attractive purchase for those who bought the VHS one, but you'll see what a good job they did do with resolution and color balance.
The complete illustrated and annotated script, "including scenes and dialogue cut from the final film, as well as annotations explaining footage seen in the final cut, yet not contained in the screenplay."
Titanic and the Making of James Cameron : The Inside Story of the Three-Year Adventure that Rewrote Motion Picture History
Paula Parisi / Paperback / Published 6/98, 20% discount (price, $11.96) The hardcover edition, published 6/98, 30% discount (price, $17.47)
The author's summary of intent at Amazon explains: "Basically, my intention with this book was to demonstrate what it's like to make a true, 21st century blockbuster ..." Reviews at Amazon tend to agree that the focus may be overtechnical for some, the book contains too many typos, and she gushes over Cameron a bit too much even for some of his fans.
James Cameron's Titanic
Douglas Kirkland(Photographer), Ed W. Marsh / Paperback / Published 12/97, 20% discount (price, $16) The hardcover edition, published 12/97, 30% discount (price, $35)
Illustrated making-of-the-movie, with 175 color photos, minimal text
AMERICAN CINEMATOGRAPHER - Titanic issue Dec97 The making of the movie. Expanded online coverage. Several excerpts from the magazine article are online for browsing. Clicking on a picture from the movie takes you to details of how the effects in that scene were made. A terrific resource, still online after 2 years.
There are also extensive archives, with e-mailed questions to and answers by Russell Carpenter, the cinematographer. On this site also are Digital Domain-connected Quicktime movies of the "spectacular time transitions" and production photos, plus key articles that are fairly meaty. One photograph is of the bow scene as it really was, with the green backdrop.
There are still copies of the Dec97 magazine left, for $7.00. Click on the link to get there. (Bookmark my page if you want to return here.)
CINEFEX - Titanic issue - Number 72
This is actually a BOOK, the entire issue devoted to the movie, and a beautiful record of the technical details behind the making of the movie.
It's divided into 3 main sections or chapters: "Back to Titanic" (68 pages); "Ship of Dreams" (56 pages); and "Titanic Aftermath" (37 pages), with ads included, as this is a monthly cinema-effects magazine, though it's much thicker than one. It's lavishly illustrated with color photographs in matte finish. HIGHLY recommended issue. $15.00 including postage for those in the U.S. (Add $3.50 outside U.S.) (Bookmark my page if you want to return here.)
Hal Jack's transcriptions of Horner's soundtrack in score and piano versions, with sound-files - really excellent. This requires Adobe Acrobat, to read/print the transcriptions and you can download this from his site if it's not installed on your computer yet. FREE, on his website. (Bookmark my page for return if interested in other items.)
For words that must be together, use quotes. Example: "the last true story"
COMBOS: Example: behe safety [ No quotemarks for combos]
This combo finds George Behe's Titanic booklet "Safety, Speed, and Sacrifice"
If this page has been helpful, I hope you'll sign the guestbook.
Also, if you know of any new books, videos, or music that you consider unusually good,
or bad,
you can add that information . Corrections, suggestions, welcomed.
CREDITS: Photograph at top. I found this on a website but can't remember where or the name of the creative person who made it. If anyone knows, please let me know. Thanks.
Note: Ordering items via this website's links at the usual discounts given by Amazon , CD Universe, Music Boulevard, Reel.Com and Sheet Music Plus benefits the Books area., which is affiliated with these online-stores. I hope this area will be helpful to those looking for books, videos, or music.
Recommendations lean toward the less expensive softcover versions. I'll add links to hardcover versions a bit later than the paperback ones.
Other books and many documentary videos will be listed eventually. A section for books and music connected with the movie will be added as well.
Copyrighted page (c) 1998, 1999 Andrys Basten
To Andrys' Home Page ...
Ghosts of the Abyss (2 books, soundtrack, more)
The excellent online Titanic Inquiry Project - This link takes you to the detail below (use browser "Back" button to return here).
The Titanic Story: Hard Choices, Dangerous Decisions
Salty Dog Talk : The Nautical Origins of Everyday Expressions
The Last Log of the Titanic
Titanic: Touchstones of a Tragedy: The Timeless Human Drama Revisited Through Period Artifacts and Memorabilia
THE LUSITANIA: The Life, Loss, and Legacy of an Ocean Legend
The Titanic (combo "Science and Story of Titanic" along with submersible model)
Dusk to Dawn : Survivor Accounts of the Last Night on the Titanic
Titanic: Fortune & Fate : Letters, Mementos, and Personal Effects from Those Who Sailed on the Lost Ship
Titanic Adventure : One Woman's True Life Voyage Down to the Legendary Ocean Liner
Anatomy of the Titanic
James Cameron's Titanic Explorer CD-ROM set: $7.99
Titanic : Safety, Speed and Sacrifice
The DVD: Titanic - A&E Documentary ($36 at Amazon) is $26 at this site.
"Narrated by Leonard Nimoy and shot by IMAX on 70mm film, Titanica reveals the clearest motion pictures ever captured of the Titanic...startling images of the long-lost ruin contrasted with never-before-seen 1912 archival photos..." (1992 IMAX version)
MADACY Entertainment (Canada) /Documentary/VHS Tape / Published 1998, discount price $9.99
with Lynch and Marschall commenting on every scene from the movie as you watch
Documentary about the 1912 Senate Investigation into the accident. 
Need a chuckle? Selecting this link may help. 
