SHIP OF DREAMS: The Sinking of the Titanic

A ground-breaking book on the Titanic is rare, but this detailed account of the disaster from the perspectives of six first-class passengers, three survivors and three who perished, is a gripping read from a new angle. The beautiful Lucy Leslie, Countess of Rothes was the only member of the British nobility on board a ship accommodating some very rich people. Noelle Dyer-Edwardes divided her time between a Kensington house and French chateau before marrying the Earl of Rothes, who was leading opposition to the "Lords Act" designed to tax the aristocracy and curtail the powers of the House of Lords. The launch of the Titanic at the Harland and Wolff shipyard claimed the vessel's sixth life even before she set sail. Thomas Andrews, the 39 year old managing director of Harland, was dominated by the Protestantism, patriotism and propriety of his Belfast upbringing, but he also rode to hounds and mixed easily with the upper classes. Embarkation at Southampton was a long-drawn out process, with strict separation between first and third class passengers, most of whom were emigrating and had long farewells on the quayside. Lady Rothes was dissatisfied with her B-Deck cabin so she joined the millionaires and plutocrats on C Deck. Ten doors down were Ida Straus and her husband Isidor, the owner of Macy's department stores. Isidor's Confederate links coupled with southern prejudice against Jews had led them from Georgia to New York. John Borland Thayer, Sr, was the fabulously wealthy vice-President of the Pennsylvania Railroad, accompanied on board by his wife Marian and son Jack. Finally the film star Dorothy Gibson, one of the highest paid actresses in the world, had taken one of the cheaper first-class cabins. That night, John and Jack Thayer discussed the ship's accelerating speed with the White Star owner, Bruce Ismay, who controversially survived the disaster. When the Countess of Rothes was awakened by "a slight grating sound" the tragedy began to unfold. Women and children entered the lifeboats, but Ida Straus refused to leave her husband and although infirm he refused to go ahead of the other men. They perished together in one of the Titanic's most touching stories. John Thayer, who courageously helped other passengers to escape, also was lost. With a wealth of social and political detail, this is a sensitive if at times harsh picture of early 20th century Britain and America and the bygone golden age. Remainder mark. Dramatis Personae, 423pp, colour and mono photos.