Titanic - the most magnificent ocean liner of her time - was doomed and destined for disaster before she ever left the docks at Southampton. Doomed by her owner, doomed by her designers, doomed by the men who sailed her – doomed even by her sister ship. Author Bryan Jackson presents a new and unique look at the many circumstances that came together the night of April 14, 1912 to claim over 1,500 lives and leave Titanic lying in 12,000 feet of water on the bottom of the North Atlantic. Each chapter details how seemingly disconnected pieces served to create a tragedy that remains as significant today as it was over a century ago. They include flawed design decisions, outdated regulations, substandard materials, weather conditions, lookouts left blinded and warnings never acted upon. Perhaps the most fascinating piece is a look at how events involving sister ship Olympic would result in Titanic being placed directly on course to meet the iceberg which would sink her. In addition, Jackson offers a look at the circumstances that saved some from perishing in the tragedy. They range from the rich and famous - to family members traveling in third-class who managed to escape the sinking while the majority of the passengers sailing in those accommodations would not survive. Also provided is a comprehensive Titanic timeline which details the events which lead to her construction - and eventual destruction. AUTHOR: Bryan Jackson is a long-time public relations professional, writer and former broadcast journalist. He has served as Press Officer to two New York State Governors, covered politics and government as State Capitol Bureau Chief for the National Broadcasting Company, as well as for several New York City broadcast stations. His career also includes broadcast station construction and ownership. His interest in the Titanic began as a teenager after reading Walter Lord’s book A Night to Remember. He has since spent extensive time researching the ship and the events which lead to her sinking, including interviewing Titanic’s last survivor, Mellvina Dean and George Tulloch, who became Salvor-in-Possession of the Titanic and made five dives to the wreck site. Today, he continues to explore Titanic’s story and occasionally lectures on the disaster. In addition to writing, he also serves from time to time as a substitute teacher and often shares his research and knowledge of the Titanic with his students. Bryan is married to his wife, Nora, and lives with their two dogs, Patches and Bo, in upstate New York.
32 b/w illustrations
