The Planet Poetry publication encapsulates a snapshot of the era shortly after the turn of the 20th century. With the unearthing of its Waves of Wonder poetry contest, the wonder and fascination that Titanic holds have been once again brought to light. Were it not for the discovery of Planet Poetry, the ability to time-travel and visit its essential role in the literary past would have been missed entirely. The previously unpublished works by celebrities of its day make the doomed publication an echo of the fate of the Titanic herself, yet has now become an incredible treasure. From Albert Einstein to the very first poem, written by a young boy, Billy Kelly, traveling in third class, Planet Poetry provides a rare opportunity to peek into the diverse attitudes of the time. It is a quintessential and ancillary benefit of an ill-fated ocean voyage which unwittingly bridged the gap between Europe and America.
Had it not been for the controversy that forced the publication to be shelved, perhaps the literary and academic world would have recorded history a bit differently. The editors, Robert Wolcott and Sylvia Barrett, were the impetus behind Planet Poetry. During their time abroad in Europe, as well as aboard ship, they managed to collect a few rare works and poems that were composed shortly before Titanic met her tragic fate. Also Included among the various poems is a first-hand account of how the collection was rescued from the ship shortly before she met her untimely demise. Later research into the chain of events culminated in a backstory that exacerbated the drama. It was presumed by some that Herman Holmes, who rescued the satchel of literary pieces, was the illegitimate son of H.H. Holmes. When rumors of this had spread within the social circles that Sylvia Barrett traveled among, she felt it wise to shelve Planet Poetry. Robert Wolcott, her close friend, and co-editor, sadly, was one of the many casualties during the night of April 14, 1912. Many believed that fact alone was the primary contributor convincing Sylvia Barrett to abort the literary venture.
