I have read a lot of books about Titanic and I was wondering whether this short volume was worth buying, but I was actually very impressed by the material within this ebook. It contains original news items from the Guardian from the original rumours of the supership, through the building and the ship setting sail. An editorial on the 11th April 1912 comments wryly on a promenade deck where passengers can observe the sea that is regarded as "something better than a dreary slum surrounding a Grand Babylon Hotel". Of course, nature is ignored at a cost and it is the first rumours of disaster (conflicting, confusing and often wrong) that are the most fascinating to read. Later, the newspaper is critical of the American press, but there is no doubt that White Star officials in New York were keen to reassure with news that all passengers and crew had been rescued and statements that, "we have nothing direct from the Titanic, but are perfectly satisfied that the vessel is unsinkable," and "we are not worried over the possible loss of the ship, as she will not go down..."
To be fair to the Guardian, although they do report on all the statements given out, they always suggest that reports suggest something worse. What follows is the aftermath of the disaster, the news of who had been saved and how many lost, reporting from the White Star Office and the outpouring of grief in London, New York and Southampton (primarily, but of course elsewhere). Really, these original reports are riveting to read and there are also later articles - reviews on films about Titanic, a report about a Titanic convention, etc. However, what really strikes you are the opinions of the time, such as readers letters, criticisms and the shocking way the crew were treated on their return to England. This short volume was surprisingly well compiled and, it is no exaggeration to say that it would be an excellent first book if you were interested in reading about the disaster. I will certainly look out for others in the Guardian Shorts series.
