This book is available as two hardback volumes, with a total of 37 individual chapters,
1200 pages and over 1550 period images, plans and diagrams. Also included is an extensive
glossary to assist the reader with any unfamiliar terms which may be encountered. As much
of the information presented is, of necessity, of a technical nature, I found this very
helpful indeed.
The first of the two volumes deals with the design and construction of Titanic.
What became immediately obvious to me when reading through the chapters was the depth and
quality of the research; every aspect of the design and construction is explored in
incredible and minute detail. Absolutely nothing appears to have been left out -
everything is covered, from the laying of the keel and double bottom through to the
erection of the shell plating and decks and also corrosion treatment and weather-proofing
which was applied to the hull. Also included are chapters on various mechanical parts of
the ship, for example, the propulsion machinery, electricity generating plant, the
refrigeration, the ventilation and heating installation and also the navigation equipment.
The second volume is concerned solely with the interior design and
fitting-out of the ship. Compared to the first volume, I found this volume to be somewhat
less technical and consequently a little easier to read. Like the preceding volume, it is
copiously illustrated throughout, using images of Titanic wherever possible or,
when no such images exist, images of her sister ships. The first few chapters describe the
treatment of the various classes of passenger on boarding the ship and during the voyage,
and the subsequent chapters deal with the different styles of furniture decoration which
were employed, and the sanitary arrangements on board. Also included is a section on the
culinary equipment. And finally, the second volume then moves on to describe each deck in
turn - chapter by chapter, the geography of Titanic is explored, starting with
the Boat Deck, and moving down through the ship to finish with the Orlop Deck, Lower Orlop
and Tank Top.
When I try to describe the perfection and comprehensiveness of these books, I
find words to be inadequate. Let me simply say that I was hugely impressed with both
volumes of this book, and I am sure they will be outstanding additions to ant reference
library or to the collection of any Titanic enthusiast. They are both, in my opinion,
‘must-have’ books, and will be taking pride of place in my own collection. If
you purchase only two books this year, than these two are the ones to have! |
