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Ghosts of the Titanic
A member of the team that discovered the Titanic on the ocean floor recreates the final day of the ship in vivid detail using new technology to peer deeper into the ship than anyone has ever looked. Reprint.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2000
About the author
Charles Pellegrino
25 books126 followersCharles Pellegrino is a scientist working in paleobiology, astronomy, and various other areas; a designer for projects including rockets and nuclear devices (non-military propulsion systems), composite construction materials, and magnetically levitated transportation systems; and a writer. He has been affiliated with Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand National Observatory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Long Island, NY; taught at institutions including Hofstra University and Adelphi University Center for Creative Arts; a member of Princeton Space Studies Institute. Cradle of Aviation Museum, space flight consultant; Challenger Center, founding member. After sailing with Robert Ballard to the Galapagos Rift in the immediate aftermath of the discovery of the Titanic (in 1985), Pellegrino expanded from the field of paleontology “into the shallows of archaeological time.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 11, 2014
There have been many books written about the Titanic....those before she was found by Dr. Bob Ballard and those after the discovery. Those written after she was located have mooted some of the theories about her sinking that were held by earlier experts. This book is written by a scientist who accompanied Ballard and several other visitors to the site, including James Cameron (the director of the eponymous film) and who was acquainted with Walter Lord, whose book A Night To Remember is still selling. His approach to the telling of the tale of that fateful maiden voyage is unique and holds the reader's interest (except for a few parts that are fairly technical). He shows us the last horrifying moments on board the ship through the eyes of survivors, and reveals fascinating details and discoveries on the Titanic as she lies on the ocean floor. He shows great respect for the lost souls and refused to touch any of the artifacts taken from the debris field that might have belonged to the passengers (shoes, clothing, toys, etc). Parts of that debris field have since been declared off-limits due to his efforts as it is considered a graveyard; thus the ghosts of the Titanic. The world continues to be fascinated by the Titanic and her doomed voyage although it has been over 100 years since she sank. I would recommend this book, even if you have read others as it contains information not previously known. A good but haunting read.
July 17, 2016
Ghosts of the Titanic by Charles Pellegrino is another entry into my seemingly death-and-disaster laden Cannonball Read list. I wasn't really familiar with the sinking of the Titanic (no, despite being a teenage girl when it came out, I have never seen James Cameron's Titanic). However, I do remember as a kid reading with great interest an article about the wreckage's discovery in National Geographic. (Once again: morbid, morbid child.) When I saw this book among Half.com's "recommendations" for me, I just had to have it.
This book is a combination of first-hand archaeological experience (Pellegrino has participated in numerous ventures to Titanic with a variety of groups including James Cameron--the filmmaker managed to turn his prop investigatory robot into one of the most effective wreck investigators to date) and real witness accounts (from both conversations Pellegrino held with the few remaining survivors and from source documents written at the time by those involved.). The author documents some of the situations that lead to the sinking, the sequence of events that occurred the night the ship went down, some of the aftermath, and also some of of the discoveries that have been made since scientists first began unearthing the debris of the ship.
One of the most interesting things to me are the number of details involved. There are complex diagrams showing the ship's layout and what transpired in relation to the ship itself. Contrary to popular belief, the Titanic did not t-bone itself on an ice berg, dragging a giant gouge in the side. More likely, there were probably a number of small holes--probably totalling not more that 12 meters of open area (roughly the combined size of 2 sidewalk squares)--letting in water. Also, the sinking of the ship was not inevitable--instead a series of unfortunate circumstances and mistakes lead to the disastrous conclusion.
Another thing the book touches on are discoveries that have been made in the modern area with the assistance of the Titanic. Much has been learned about the kind of bacteria and organisms that thrive at the depths of the ocean, including an new organism (dubbed "rustcicles" by the explorers) which may one day lead to advances in medical science and antibiotics. There is much left under the water which scientists and archaeologists have not even begun to investigate. According to the book (which may not be current) much exploring has been delayed or prohibited due to the number of people whose remains were likely trapped in the wreckage. However, it's likely that sometime beyond 2012 (the hundred year mark) more explorations will be undertaken, and it's mind-boggling what might be discovered.
The most fascinating thing (as I find with most history of disaster) is the human factor: how did the people who were there react? When disaster struck, did people rise to the challenge or sink to the lowest depths of their natures? It seems with the Titanic (as in nearly every other situation) there were an equal number on either side, as well as many in the middle who perished without documentation one way or another. It is enough to prove a point for the most pessimistic pessimist or the most optimistic optimist. For every gentleman who sacrificed his space in a life boat in order to leave room for women and children, there is a story of how steerage passengers were locked in below decks in order to "avoid confusion" while the first and second class passengers were led to the life boats (the first class dogs were actually set free of their kennels for a chance at escape before the third class passengers). On the other hand, for every story of cowardice--such as the owner of the White Star Line making sure he got himself in a lifeboat even if it meant leaving women and children behind--there is a story of bravery--the engineers who stayed below decks, sacrificing their lives in order to keep the lights on just a little longer to help with the evacuation. It's all so crazy--the best and worst of humanity shows up in situations like this, and THAT I think is why I love disaster books.
This is a great book, although some of the descriptions of the physical destruction can be a little tough to follow if you're not versed in physics and such. However, the diagrams are a great help, and there is enough going on that you can skim those highly scientific bits a little and not miss too much. I recommend it.
This book is a combination of first-hand archaeological experience (Pellegrino has participated in numerous ventures to Titanic with a variety of groups including James Cameron--the filmmaker managed to turn his prop investigatory robot into one of the most effective wreck investigators to date) and real witness accounts (from both conversations Pellegrino held with the few remaining survivors and from source documents written at the time by those involved.). The author documents some of the situations that lead to the sinking, the sequence of events that occurred the night the ship went down, some of the aftermath, and also some of of the discoveries that have been made since scientists first began unearthing the debris of the ship.
One of the most interesting things to me are the number of details involved. There are complex diagrams showing the ship's layout and what transpired in relation to the ship itself. Contrary to popular belief, the Titanic did not t-bone itself on an ice berg, dragging a giant gouge in the side. More likely, there were probably a number of small holes--probably totalling not more that 12 meters of open area (roughly the combined size of 2 sidewalk squares)--letting in water. Also, the sinking of the ship was not inevitable--instead a series of unfortunate circumstances and mistakes lead to the disastrous conclusion.
Another thing the book touches on are discoveries that have been made in the modern area with the assistance of the Titanic. Much has been learned about the kind of bacteria and organisms that thrive at the depths of the ocean, including an new organism (dubbed "rustcicles" by the explorers) which may one day lead to advances in medical science and antibiotics. There is much left under the water which scientists and archaeologists have not even begun to investigate. According to the book (which may not be current) much exploring has been delayed or prohibited due to the number of people whose remains were likely trapped in the wreckage. However, it's likely that sometime beyond 2012 (the hundred year mark) more explorations will be undertaken, and it's mind-boggling what might be discovered.
The most fascinating thing (as I find with most history of disaster) is the human factor: how did the people who were there react? When disaster struck, did people rise to the challenge or sink to the lowest depths of their natures? It seems with the Titanic (as in nearly every other situation) there were an equal number on either side, as well as many in the middle who perished without documentation one way or another. It is enough to prove a point for the most pessimistic pessimist or the most optimistic optimist. For every gentleman who sacrificed his space in a life boat in order to leave room for women and children, there is a story of how steerage passengers were locked in below decks in order to "avoid confusion" while the first and second class passengers were led to the life boats (the first class dogs were actually set free of their kennels for a chance at escape before the third class passengers). On the other hand, for every story of cowardice--such as the owner of the White Star Line making sure he got himself in a lifeboat even if it meant leaving women and children behind--there is a story of bravery--the engineers who stayed below decks, sacrificing their lives in order to keep the lights on just a little longer to help with the evacuation. It's all so crazy--the best and worst of humanity shows up in situations like this, and THAT I think is why I love disaster books.
This is a great book, although some of the descriptions of the physical destruction can be a little tough to follow if you're not versed in physics and such. However, the diagrams are a great help, and there is enough going on that you can skim those highly scientific bits a little and not miss too much. I recommend it.
August 16, 2012
A worthy successor to Lord's Night to Remember and The Night Lives On.
This is the Titanic as Wild West story-lots of people under assumed names and packing heat.
Lots of survival stories, like the only survivor of the electrical department. Science spotlighting what happened during the event & afterward.
The death of Thomas Andrews. The stolid immovability of Captain Lord of the Californian.
And some moving moments from some of the youngest survivors.
A favorite which moved me a lot: This is from one of the final chapters-Their fates. Pellegrino talks a lot about the Navatril family, and has this about the oldest son:
Michel Navatril, though only four years old in 1912, retained vivid recollections of the entire voyage, right down to such details as the fried eggs he had eaten one morning as the ocean passed by the dining saloon window. When he and his brother were reunited with their Mother the New York Evening Journal protested that the boys should have been adopted by a wealthy American family, rather than returned to a hopeless future with their poor Italian Mother. Michel's younger brother became an architect but received lingering and ultimately fatal wounds when he joined the French Resistance against Nazi occupation during World War II. Michel obtained his Ph.D. in 1952 and taught Philosophy at the University of Montpellier.
I remember him telling us in 1996 that his Father would soon return to sing him to sleep one last time at the hour of his death-sing for him the old folk song Michel remembered from his earliest childhood: "If I could make a perfect day for you, I'd give you a morning golden and new. . ." Michel sang the song for us in French and a couple of years later, a friend dragged me to what I had resigned myself to as a 'silly' movie about an old man who sings to a little pig named Babe. When I heard the tune, without having any idea at the moment why, I burst into tears. And still, I find it difficult to watch the scene in which Mr Hogger sings Babe back to health and to keep my eyes dry.
Good writing-and lots of surprises. A book worth reading & rereading.
This is the Titanic as Wild West story-lots of people under assumed names and packing heat.
Lots of survival stories, like the only survivor of the electrical department. Science spotlighting what happened during the event & afterward.
The death of Thomas Andrews. The stolid immovability of Captain Lord of the Californian.
And some moving moments from some of the youngest survivors.
A favorite which moved me a lot: This is from one of the final chapters-Their fates. Pellegrino talks a lot about the Navatril family, and has this about the oldest son:
Michel Navatril, though only four years old in 1912, retained vivid recollections of the entire voyage, right down to such details as the fried eggs he had eaten one morning as the ocean passed by the dining saloon window. When he and his brother were reunited with their Mother the New York Evening Journal protested that the boys should have been adopted by a wealthy American family, rather than returned to a hopeless future with their poor Italian Mother. Michel's younger brother became an architect but received lingering and ultimately fatal wounds when he joined the French Resistance against Nazi occupation during World War II. Michel obtained his Ph.D. in 1952 and taught Philosophy at the University of Montpellier.
I remember him telling us in 1996 that his Father would soon return to sing him to sleep one last time at the hour of his death-sing for him the old folk song Michel remembered from his earliest childhood: "If I could make a perfect day for you, I'd give you a morning golden and new. . ." Michel sang the song for us in French and a couple of years later, a friend dragged me to what I had resigned myself to as a 'silly' movie about an old man who sings to a little pig named Babe. When I heard the tune, without having any idea at the moment why, I burst into tears. And still, I find it difficult to watch the scene in which Mr Hogger sings Babe back to health and to keep my eyes dry.
Good writing-and lots of surprises. A book worth reading & rereading.
April 6, 2012
I first delved into the history of the fatal maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic after seeing James Cameron's film in 1997 at the ripe old age of 11. I could run off facts about the ship's layout, about the people travelling on it, the events leading up to the disaster, the tragic sinking itself, and the aftermath. But this book truely made me realize how very simplistic I was making the whole tradgedy in my mind up to this point, not just the details of the sinking, but the politics behind and the intricacies of the decisions made by various individuals.
While I found Pellegrino's writing style to be a bit self-referntial at times, and the scientific explanations behind certain events to be in some instances too esoteric to follow with much confidence, I thought he extolled wonderfully the merit of both archeological research and oral histories when it comes to interpreting the past, and explored some fascinating theories. His book contains some wonderful interactions with both Titanic survivors and professionals who've researched the ship. He also makes some bold parellels between the Titanic disaster and other more modern disasters (including one that is currently taking place) pointing out how both hubris and an individual's unwillingness to take the hard, but just, road in difficult situations can ultimately lead to immense but preventable tradgedy.
Overall, highly recommended!
While I found Pellegrino's writing style to be a bit self-referntial at times, and the scientific explanations behind certain events to be in some instances too esoteric to follow with much confidence, I thought he extolled wonderfully the merit of both archeological research and oral histories when it comes to interpreting the past, and explored some fascinating theories. His book contains some wonderful interactions with both Titanic survivors and professionals who've researched the ship. He also makes some bold parellels between the Titanic disaster and other more modern disasters (including one that is currently taking place) pointing out how both hubris and an individual's unwillingness to take the hard, but just, road in difficult situations can ultimately lead to immense but preventable tradgedy.
Overall, highly recommended!
June 13, 2015
Charles Pellegrino is an archaeologist (amongst other things) and has travelled to the bottom of the ocean to investigate the Titanic. Not only does this book talk about his expeditions, but he also tells the stories of what happened on the Titanic.
I really enjoyed this. Some of the science was a bit detailed for me, but overall, it wasn't too bad. I did find some of the information on “rusticles” (what most people see as mineral deposits forming on the ship, Pellegrino and his fellow scientists call rusticles (like icicles), and they are not mineral deposits, but they are “alive”!), quite interesting.
Of course the best parts of the book for me, though, were the stories of the people on the Titanic and the play-by-play of what happened that night. One thing I've probably read about before, but I'm not sure if I got as much info from what else I've read, and found incredibly interesting (and horrifying) was the reaction of the crew on the nearby Californian, as they watched what was happening, but did nothing to help.
There were also some nice illustrations throughout the book. Initially, they were of artifacts found, but later there were some of the ship and minute-by-minute as it was filling up with water and where that water was, and more.
I really enjoyed this. Some of the science was a bit detailed for me, but overall, it wasn't too bad. I did find some of the information on “rusticles” (what most people see as mineral deposits forming on the ship, Pellegrino and his fellow scientists call rusticles (like icicles), and they are not mineral deposits, but they are “alive”!), quite interesting.
Of course the best parts of the book for me, though, were the stories of the people on the Titanic and the play-by-play of what happened that night. One thing I've probably read about before, but I'm not sure if I got as much info from what else I've read, and found incredibly interesting (and horrifying) was the reaction of the crew on the nearby Californian, as they watched what was happening, but did nothing to help.
There were also some nice illustrations throughout the book. Initially, they were of artifacts found, but later there were some of the ship and minute-by-minute as it was filling up with water and where that water was, and more.
December 15, 2012
A rare and captivating account about more than just Titanic history. Pellegrino delves into compelling scientific and archaeological aspects of the Titanic's remains and how present day research of the ship ties back into the emotion and magnitude of her immortal story as a powerful disaster. The science is solid, Pellegrino's theories, especially "down blast" have been gaining momentum as very plausible scenarios to explain the forensics of the ship's condition, and perhaps even more interesting are his first-hand accounts of oceanographic expeditions to the wreck site - excerpts that speak to the heart of any explorer or lover of science and adventures of curiosity. Dr. Pellegrino truly understands people, his passionate writing and insight into the events are touching and phenomenal. At one point he is the cold, unswayed scientist examining the facts, and at another he has bridged the Titanic's story from a century ago to modern readers in a brilliant and heart wrenching way. "Farewell, Titanic" is an excellent followup to this classic.
October 8, 2010
ive read several books about the Titanic and this was without a doubt the best one yet. I couldnt put it down. The stories from the survivors about what went on during the final hours of this ships life (as well as the lives of about 1500 people) were so interesting. Also this was the first book ive read that not only told the stories of heroism, but also the dark side of what went on. Including looting, fighting, acts of cowardice and even murder. Also gets into a bit more detail, including evidence, about the fate of most of the steerage passengers. a MUST for people who enjoy books about Titanic. i seriously can't express enough how much i enjoyed this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2007
An absorbing, eye-opening, sad and ultimately tragic book describing the events, hopeless attempts at rescuing the ship and extremely bad decisions that led to the sinking of the 'unsinkable' liner. Pellegrino uses eye-witness accounts, letters, transcripts of the inquiries in the UK and US, and knowledge derived from diving expeditions to the ship to compile as accurate a record of the timeline of April 14th, 1912. An amazing read.
November 1, 2012
Pretty technical but the stories about the people on board were fascinating. I enjoyed the book for the most part.
August 22, 2022
I was four years old when Robert Ballard discovered the wreck of the Titanic, too young to really notice, but in the following years I became fascinated by the ship and its discovery. Our family had a subscription to National Geographic, which put out a few issues on the discovery of the wreck, with glossy, full-color foldout pictures and maps that I spent hours studying. Our local video store also had an entire section of National Geographic documentaries and I rented Secrets of the Titanic(1986) more times than anyone else in the midwest, I guarantee it.
I loved (and recently re-read) Pellegrino's first book, Her Name, Titanic, which was one of my childhood favorites. It's a gripping narrative of the sinking of the ship, and a first-hand account of the discovery of the wreck. Ballard himself is quoted at length. So now, decades later, I finally got around to reading the follow-up.
And it's not great.
Whereas Her Name, Titanic was well-organized and coherent, Ghosts of the Titanic is a scattered mess. There's no overarching theme or story. It reads like a hodge-podge collection of bits that didn't make it into his first book, some updates on discoveries made since then, and a lot of dubious scientific speculation.
One chapter might provide a few glimpses of survivors stories, the next a long discussion of the molecular composition of the rusticles that grow on the Titanic's wreck, the next a detailed analysis of exactly how the wreck hit the ocean floor, the next an autobiographical sketch about the author meeting Walter Lord and interviewing survivors. It's all over the place.
One problem is that the author presumes knowledge. Rather than sticking with a single Titanic survivor and telling their story, allowing the reader to get to know this person, Pellegrino will mention a dozen survivors in the space of a page, move them around the deck of the sinking ship like pieces on a chessboard, noting that so-and-so was near lifeboat 8 at 12:51 PM, or something, and then in later chapters continually refer back to individuals that he never fully introduced to being with.
He'll drop fascinating details in the middle of a paragraph, like the fact some first class passengers complained about having to share a lifeboat with some Asian passengers from steerage, and then just drop the subject, not tell you the rest of the story, not elaborate or revisit it. I mean, anti-Asian racism on a sinking ship was an angle I hadn't considered before, and would have appreciated learning more about it, but he just mentions it in passing.
Whereas his first book was a narrative, this book reads more like a forensic file. There's an entire chapter about the mechanics and physics of the ship striking the iceberg, and a discussion of whether the berg inflicted a long gash, bent a series of plates, or punched a series of small holes in the hull. The conclusion is that it was a series of small holes. Mildly interesting, I guess. Not sure I needed an entire chapter on the subject; either way the ship sank.
But the worst part about the book, beyond the scattershot story telling and forensic minutiae, was Pellegrino's forays into microbiology. He repeatedly speculates that microbial composition of the rusticles, (involving bacteria and archaea and fungi and various other things, all mushed into this symbiotic life form that exists to metabolize Titanic's iron) are a precursor to multicellular life on earth. His theory is that multi-cellular organisms evolved from single-cell organisms mushing together and evolving co-dependence.
I fact-checked several paragraphs against my wife, who happens to have a Ph.D. in microbiology and teaches at San Jose State University. Her opinion was Pellegrino doesn't really understand microbiology. That many of the key details were flat out wrong. That he was half-right about some things, but he was sacrificing accuracy for imagination. Blood vessels didn't evolve from foreign bacteria forming drainage channels, for instance.
And I can't help but point out that Dr. Charles Pellegrino is not a doctor, and it bugs the shit out of me when people lie about their credentials.
I loved (and recently re-read) Pellegrino's first book, Her Name, Titanic, which was one of my childhood favorites. It's a gripping narrative of the sinking of the ship, and a first-hand account of the discovery of the wreck. Ballard himself is quoted at length. So now, decades later, I finally got around to reading the follow-up.
And it's not great.
Whereas Her Name, Titanic was well-organized and coherent, Ghosts of the Titanic is a scattered mess. There's no overarching theme or story. It reads like a hodge-podge collection of bits that didn't make it into his first book, some updates on discoveries made since then, and a lot of dubious scientific speculation.
One chapter might provide a few glimpses of survivors stories, the next a long discussion of the molecular composition of the rusticles that grow on the Titanic's wreck, the next a detailed analysis of exactly how the wreck hit the ocean floor, the next an autobiographical sketch about the author meeting Walter Lord and interviewing survivors. It's all over the place.
One problem is that the author presumes knowledge. Rather than sticking with a single Titanic survivor and telling their story, allowing the reader to get to know this person, Pellegrino will mention a dozen survivors in the space of a page, move them around the deck of the sinking ship like pieces on a chessboard, noting that so-and-so was near lifeboat 8 at 12:51 PM, or something, and then in later chapters continually refer back to individuals that he never fully introduced to being with.
He'll drop fascinating details in the middle of a paragraph, like the fact some first class passengers complained about having to share a lifeboat with some Asian passengers from steerage, and then just drop the subject, not tell you the rest of the story, not elaborate or revisit it. I mean, anti-Asian racism on a sinking ship was an angle I hadn't considered before, and would have appreciated learning more about it, but he just mentions it in passing.
Whereas his first book was a narrative, this book reads more like a forensic file. There's an entire chapter about the mechanics and physics of the ship striking the iceberg, and a discussion of whether the berg inflicted a long gash, bent a series of plates, or punched a series of small holes in the hull. The conclusion is that it was a series of small holes. Mildly interesting, I guess. Not sure I needed an entire chapter on the subject; either way the ship sank.
But the worst part about the book, beyond the scattershot story telling and forensic minutiae, was Pellegrino's forays into microbiology. He repeatedly speculates that microbial composition of the rusticles, (involving bacteria and archaea and fungi and various other things, all mushed into this symbiotic life form that exists to metabolize Titanic's iron) are a precursor to multicellular life on earth. His theory is that multi-cellular organisms evolved from single-cell organisms mushing together and evolving co-dependence.
I fact-checked several paragraphs against my wife, who happens to have a Ph.D. in microbiology and teaches at San Jose State University. Her opinion was Pellegrino doesn't really understand microbiology. That many of the key details were flat out wrong. That he was half-right about some things, but he was sacrificing accuracy for imagination. Blood vessels didn't evolve from foreign bacteria forming drainage channels, for instance.
And I can't help but point out that Dr. Charles Pellegrino is not a doctor, and it bugs the shit out of me when people lie about their credentials.
September 4, 2022
This was a fantastic look into the history of the Titanic. If you find yourself like I do--fascinated by the Titanic--this is a book you won't want to miss.
I will admit: some of the science, the in-depth coverage of what happened when, and the detailed layout of the wreckage was over my head. What was ultimately compelling for me wasn't the nitty gritty details but rather the eye-witness accounts of the events of that fateful night. There were many times that I paused while reading just to fully contemplate. I learned a lot, too, which is always a plus. I thought I had a pretty good understanding of what happened that night before I delved into this book, but I walked away with a much greater understanding of events. It seems, at least to me, that the Titanic was fated to sink, when one takes in everything that happened. There were countless "if only this one little thing had changed" situations that could have spared this tragedy. It's fascinating to think that every last little thing came together to "make sure" that this tragedy happened.
Overall, this was a quality addition to the literature on the Titanic and one you won't want to miss.
I will admit: some of the science, the in-depth coverage of what happened when, and the detailed layout of the wreckage was over my head. What was ultimately compelling for me wasn't the nitty gritty details but rather the eye-witness accounts of the events of that fateful night. There were many times that I paused while reading just to fully contemplate. I learned a lot, too, which is always a plus. I thought I had a pretty good understanding of what happened that night before I delved into this book, but I walked away with a much greater understanding of events. It seems, at least to me, that the Titanic was fated to sink, when one takes in everything that happened. There were countless "if only this one little thing had changed" situations that could have spared this tragedy. It's fascinating to think that every last little thing came together to "make sure" that this tragedy happened.
Overall, this was a quality addition to the literature on the Titanic and one you won't want to miss.
May 24, 2023
"Ghosts of the Titanic" is one of the most thoroughly researched books I've come across. It is phenomenal in the level of detail it goes into, not only in its technical aspects, but also in regards to the personal stories of Titanic's survivors. This is probably one of the top 3 books on the fascinating and well-documented topic of the sinkining of the Titanic. The reason I am giving it 4 instead of 5 stars is because it was simply too technical for my linking. On the other hand, I absolutely loved the personal stories! They made me so emotional at times and kept me engaged despite hundreds of pages of scientific research and hypotesis. I had a hard time reading the book before bedtime as I could only go through a handful of pages before falling asleep. It is definitely not a page-turner, but a book which should be studied in history classes internationally.
June 22, 2019
Terrific book! The author is a paleontologist and practicing physicist who designs robots for exploration in water environments, including the moons of Saturn and Jupiter. His explanations of the tragedy are amazing. He also links the discoveries made at the underwater site of the Titanic to scientific theories and how they affect us today. These include over-fishing and global warming. Very well written, easy to read and comprehend, and educational, as well as historical. The author visited the Titanic at the sea floor and he had access to all the artifacts recovered.
September 10, 2022
Wow! Talk about being a part of the sinking with many stories from actual survivors- some shocking and some I hadn’t read before - I think the most shocking is the behaviour of the White Star Lines. Since band members were not considered crew (they were passengers) they were docked 75% of their wage as they did not complete their assignment - like WTF? So not only did their wife loose their husband but they didn’t get full payment of their job.
This book is full of shocking stories. It makes me appreciate some of the tragedy some people have had to endure - great read!
This book is full of shocking stories. It makes me appreciate some of the tragedy some people have had to endure - great read!
February 6, 2019
This book was just amazing. I liked it much better than his first book on Titanic (Her Name Titanic). This really got into a kind of forensic analysis of the site and very detailed survivor experiences.
July 22, 2013
This Scholastic Canada Ltd book intrigued me well before I read the synopsis which sold it to me. 2012 being the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the unsinkable Titanic was another intriguing fact as was the title itself - making me wonder exactly what the storyline was all about. Well, only one way to find out. So, I bought the book, read it and loved it!
This is, essentially, a teenage read - about a boy growing up, feeling awkward and left out - but I personally do love this type of book, usually an easy and straight-forward read with a good message included that applies to 'teenagers of all ages'. And 'Ghosts of the Titanic' most definitely has an interesting storyline with a message that everyone can learn from.
The set-up is the usual dysfunctional family of four, with daddy seemingly preferring his sixteen-year-old daughter over his younger son, of whom he appears frustratingly disappointed and actually calling him a loser. This isolates the boy, who's acting out even more - not really on purpose but everybody seems to take it that way. In comes a very unexpected inheritance of a haunted house which does catch the boy's interest, especially once the haunting begins ...
Author Julie Lawson presents an interesting subject and 'wields' her pen magnificently, spinning a fascinating tale which captures the reader from beginning to end. The subject matter, plot and characters, together with the paranormal influence, make for an intriguing read, with the reader wondering what will happen next and how on earth everything fits together.
A truly beautiful story - magnificently written - an absolutely wonderful read!
This is, essentially, a teenage read - about a boy growing up, feeling awkward and left out - but I personally do love this type of book, usually an easy and straight-forward read with a good message included that applies to 'teenagers of all ages'. And 'Ghosts of the Titanic' most definitely has an interesting storyline with a message that everyone can learn from.
The set-up is the usual dysfunctional family of four, with daddy seemingly preferring his sixteen-year-old daughter over his younger son, of whom he appears frustratingly disappointed and actually calling him a loser. This isolates the boy, who's acting out even more - not really on purpose but everybody seems to take it that way. In comes a very unexpected inheritance of a haunted house which does catch the boy's interest, especially once the haunting begins ...
Author Julie Lawson presents an interesting subject and 'wields' her pen magnificently, spinning a fascinating tale which captures the reader from beginning to end. The subject matter, plot and characters, together with the paranormal influence, make for an intriguing read, with the reader wondering what will happen next and how on earth everything fits together.
A truly beautiful story - magnificently written - an absolutely wonderful read!
May 2, 2016
"Be will to take the hard road. That's the lesson I want the children to bring home from the Titanic. Not that God can kill you with an iceberg if you cross the ocean. What they should be learning is that we must never follow people into anything we believe may lead to evil." -George Tulloch
Pellegrino is my favorite non-fiction author for his ability to talk about history and science and archaeology in a way that makes it real. This book shares the stories of that fateful night the Titanic sank, presents diagrams, puts forth theories, and takes you down to the depths in a submersible to see the wreckage and what can be learned from it. It's fascinating and tragic in the way that only non-fiction can be when it is written at a time when you can just as easily explore a site as you can talk to survivors.
Pellegrino is my favorite non-fiction author for his ability to talk about history and science and archaeology in a way that makes it real. This book shares the stories of that fateful night the Titanic sank, presents diagrams, puts forth theories, and takes you down to the depths in a submersible to see the wreckage and what can be learned from it. It's fascinating and tragic in the way that only non-fiction can be when it is written at a time when you can just as easily explore a site as you can talk to survivors.
January 30, 2016
This is one I have to re-read every so often, because it is just so fascinating and moving. It describes the archaeological dig -- or should I say "splash"? -- on the wreck of HMS Titanic. They found a lot more down there than a busted ship, believe me. The title misleads some people into thinking it is a horror story, but this is pure science, my friends. Not that there aren't horrific moments, describing for instance how every member of the research team broke down sooner or later because they found some intact child's shoe on the ocean floor, or the missing binoculars that could have saved those 1500 victims. It's a must-read, honestly.
July 11, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. It was published later than a lot of the other Titanic books I've read lately, so it had newer theories based on subsequent dives. I really enjoyed the theory on what happened to the Grand Staircase. Since so much other wood in the ship hasn't been eaten, the idea that the staircase has been eaten up didn't make sense. I do think it probably become dislodged and floated out.
February 3, 2017
I have been glued to this book for almost 2 weeks, at least for the days I wasn't so sick I could see or think. I don't know why I am so fascinated by the Titanic but I guess it is like a Pandora's box. It isn't a box full of treasure but sadness, evil, greed, fear, etc and answers some might not want to hear. However, opening this box also aids in understanding and possibly preventing a recurrence of this tragedy.... if only we can learn from it. I have decided to keep this book
October 8, 2011
It's an excellent book. Ive always been fascinated by the mysteries of the Titanic having been growing up near the aquarium that Dr. Ballard is associated with and this book is just page upon page of facts that either never occurred to me, never would have thought of or just interesting observations and story's of what really happened that night in 1912.
July 7, 2010
I don't understand the mathmatical proofs or the detailed science. But the history and the general gist of the science were interesting. I've had the book a long time and just got around to reading it.
July 7, 2013
A pretty good read for fans of the Titanic disaster. I think this is the second of three books he has written on this topic but the first I have read. I will probably read the last one now. The author is a good authority on this subject.
March 4, 2011
Interesting look at a return to the Titanic sinking site, the things that were found on the dive, and the stories told interspersed. Sad, riveting, haunting.
February 10, 2011
Pellegrino weaves both science and personal stories of the survivors from the titanic disaster into the book. It's quite captivating. I'm staying up way too late every night reading it.
September 3, 2017
(found read date in diary)
March 29, 2013
oh my laundry. Ah-MAY-Zing. Best Titanic book I have read so far. Combines the science (biology and physics) with archeology and history to tell the story on all kinds of layers.
April 18, 2013
It won't let me read
October 20, 2013
I like any book on the Titanic and added this one to my collection. There were some nice pictures in this one too.
February 14, 2015
Loved it. I have never read a book by a better author. If we used his books as history books, we would not have trouble getting students interested in history.
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