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I have decided to jump on the Titanic bandwagon; but for good reason. You see, I enjoy collecting antique books that were printed in response to national disasters. A bit macabre, I know…but such a wonderful glimpse into attitudes (and sensationalism) of specific time periods.
I own one such book that was printed immediately following the sinking of the Titanic. There were many tell-all versions published after the sinking. Mine claims to be the “only authoritative book.” In honor of the Titanic centennial, I have to share it with you.
My book is called The Sinking of the Titanic and Great Sea Disasters: Thrilling Stories of Survivors with Photographs & Sketches. It was published in 1912 by L.T. Myers. Unfortunately, a previous owner covered the book with a clear adhesive that I cannot remove. As a result, acid is eating away at the fabric and illustration on the book cover. It makes me sad to watch the book slowly decompose over time. It’s interesting, though, that the book decay parallels the actual disintegration of the ship wrecked at the bottom of the ocean.
The book begins with a political cartoon – a pithy jab at the numerous luxuries and lack of lifeboats on board the ship. One wonders what an uproar this would have caused while the pain of the incident was still fresh. The cartoon also singles out a few rich men who died on the maiden voyage.
Content-wise, the rest of the book is divided into ship amenities, notable passengers, a summary of the disaster, firsthand accounts, and several criticisms (especially toward Mr. Ismay and men who cut into the “women and children first” lifeboat lines).
One of my favorite things about old books is the evidence of past owners. This book is no exception (well, besides that awful adhesive cover). On page 75, someone had left a money order application from February of 1915, right under the subsection of “Men Shot Down.”
As always, thanks for reading!
mirrorwithamemory 
What a wonderful book to have in you collection. I love books, particularly old books. Take care of them. Thanks for sharing about this gem with us.
That’s great! It is nice to see that there are still many bibliophiles around. And no worries, I guard my old books with my life! So glad you like the Titanic book.
Very interesting!
Thank you!
Thrilled you read my blog (like you, I appreciate all visitors greatly). Followers are an even greater honour whenever they occur. Wanted to say I didn’t do a Titanic article on any bandwagon about the movie. I grew up respecting that sad hisotry and have a knack for remembering dates. This happens to be the centennary, worth saying something. Your 1912 book is a treasure! http://www.CMRiedel.WordPress.com
So glad you like my book! 🙂 I’d be happy to follow.
I’m a respectful observer of history too, touched by the Titanic story years before the film. Parts were stupid: a gun during a disaster? Emotion was great. I’m glad it makes kids aware of the centenary. I wonder if you have a memory for dates as I do.
I look forward to the notification e-mail. I’m always excited to find out someone new is following what I share. We sure put a lot of time into our articles.
Unfortunately, it does seem that there was quite a bit of violence on the ship that night (guns, fistfights, explosions). My book talks about it a little. It’s nice that you have such great interest in the topic. I’ve always been interested in the Titanic too. I learned about it just before the movie came to theaters. I was nine years old! haha
And yes, I do have the occasional memory for dates. Rarely ever for specific battles in wars, etc., but mostly singular events. April 14 has always been one of my favorites. 4/14/1912: the Titanic struck the iceberg. 4/14/1865: Abraham Lincoln was shot at the Ford Theater. 4/14/1909: a massive fire destroyed some buildings in my hometown.
I’m not American but will throw a guess out there on your home town and the third date: San Francisco? I know their ‘recently built’ city was devestated in the early 1900s during Easter. 😦
Good guess, but not San Francisco. I do have a book printed after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake though!
Great blog. And I love your hobby of ‘collecting antique books that were printed in response to national disasters.” I’m very interested in shipwrecks — do you have any other shipwreck books?
Thank you very much! I don’t have any other books about shipwrecks. My other disaster books are about the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and McKinley’s 1901 assassination. I do, however, have an old book about aquatic life. Also, I have a book owned by a Scottish family whose ship almost capsized on the way to America. As a result, the family changed their coat of arms to show that ship on the bookplate. All future blog material! 🙂
Now glancing on-line: Rochester, New York? You said ‘some’ buildings. 90% of San Francisco went, even if date recall is close. I love quizzes I have a shot at. Let’s keep it up, why don’t we! Here’s non-disaster Canadian news, that few heard. http://cmriedel.wordpress.com/2012/01/18/caring-public-leaders/
Close, but no cigar!
Glad I’ve been close. Will you educate us? It’s also fun to know whence our peers dwell. 😉
I’m a journalist and author, and acutely aware that my stories are the first draft of history. Much of my stuff will never survive me, but with 100+ stories in the NYT, I suspect those will indeed and am aware of it whenever I write for them. Cultural context is really crucial to every story…as those who read it may come decades later and have no idea what your contemporary references are.
I also collect/am passionate about antiques: glass, porcelain (not Limoges, though) and textiles mostly.