“Herein lie the facts- decide for yourself”. A good conspiracy has tantalizing secrecy and a well recognized event that evokes anger, regret and suspicion about a forgotten era. Human drama is also a must when completing this list of what continues to draw us closer when certain topics are mentioned in a hushed voice. Titanic or Olympic: Which Ship Sank? knows this is what entices the curious reader and invites them on an absolutely fascinating tour that examines in serious detail one of the greatest theories that still follows in the wake of the 15th of April 1912- was it TITANIC or her sister ship OLYMPIC that went down with over 1,500 souls that tragic night? Upfront the authors admit that if true and the OLYMPIC was switched for the TITANIC this would have been the largest (and most elaborate) hoaxes on the public and insurance scam of all time. This work then continues onto chapters filled with the passages behind the popular theory, my favorites being: “Mystery or History”, “The Lifeboat Evidence” and “Photographic Assessment". In these heavily detailed sections the believed evidence is presented with entertaining information of missing names from rescue registries, undecided final tallies, double numbered lifeboats and even oddly colored paint under where the recognized nameplate of TITANIC rests at the bottom of the Atlantic. I’ll admit after reading all of the known and displayed “evidence”; I was beginning to believe the greatest hoax happened. It was the ideal time for this work to switch direction and build reality from the keel up to her distinct swan-neck vents. Time then flew for this collector of history who just stared for large increments at the next displayed snapshots with the key parts of the ships marked to clearly illustrate differences from the minute to the hidden in plain view. I didn’t want to put this book down and I borrowed a Kindle Fire to get the full effect of the photographs (some I have never seen before). The more and more the pages turned with these intriguing comparative pictures, documented testimony and re-examinations of the previous chapters (slamming aside fragmented statements and popular myth with cold hard facts); the more I could say “well I’m convinced” as well as “I didn’t know that!”. Even after that this book went on and precisely explained the intimate particulars that any familiar crew member could never have been completely fooled over or the complex contracts of silence that would have been necessary. Any possible lingering doubts were finally laid to rest at that point (especially when the quote from Violet Jessop came about) and my kindle marked that the book had ended but it didn’t. There were a few more surprises left (like dazzle paint) for this fellow reader of history and the concluding sections were centered on what happened long after the 15th of April 1912 for the Titanic’s sister ships. Those parts were equally fascinating as the beginning chapters and turned into a poignant narrative that sounded the final three horn blows on the decadent world that created the marvels of the oceans. A fitting ending for such a fantastic reference, I don’t think I will ever pass a photograph of the TITANIC or OLYMPIC again without counting the portholes, trying to look for the number “401” or “400” on anything at museums (or even high priced estate sales- I can always hope right?) or searching cinematic scenes for round windows versus rectangle. For everything this title offered and presented this is one book I couldn’t be more overall pleased in finding. Highly Recommended. -purchased and read on kindle -EGP/April 2017 Comments are closed.
|
Currently Reading:
Also listening to:
Disclaimers
In accordance with FTC Guidelines, I disclose how I obtained every title for review at As The Final Page Turns (whether that be by ARC, purchased (on nook, kindle or specially ordered hardbacks) Audible version or simply borrowed at my local library). Please note: titles reviewed that are ARCS (Advanced Reader Copies) are free review copies of books that are given by publishers (these ARCS can be found at NetGalley or Edelweiss). Categories
All
28th of January 2023) NOTES/COMBINATIONS and Stones CURRENTLY ON THE HUNT FOR: Naughty Licorice/Star Anise Cardamom Cardamom Cake with Roses Smoky Honey & Leather Leather and Florals Pomegranate Colder Tuberose scents Smoked Florals with Cinnamon and Honey Graham Cracker and Incense Double strand of Rose Quartz or Moonstones or Black Tourmaline Chainmaille Jewellery Houses of Fragrance and Interest on the Horizon (shops that contain such temptations): LurkerAndStrange Good Spirit Wolf Rapt In Maille ToadStoolSoaps DSH Perfume Baphomet&Co Harvest Moon Haven Granny Hootenanny's Shop
|