Another solid entry in the History Smashers series, this time on the endlessly fascinating topic of the Titanic, which was built in Belfast in 1909-1912 and sank on its maiden voyage to New York.

Messner proceeds chronologically, from the building of the ship to the launch; then the ignored warning signs, the crash, distress calls, loading lifeboats, and sinking; the survivors' arrival in New York and the inquiries on both sides of the Atlantic; and the discovery and exploration of the site underwater seventy years later. Chapter two, "Setting Sail," includes a "Who's Who" of passengers and crew involved in the Titanic disaster and rescue, including shipbuilder Thomas Andrews, Captain Edward J. Smith, and White Star Line chairmain Bruce Ismay.

Back matter includes A Titanic Timeline, Author's Note, Bibliography, Image Credits, and Index. (The timeline, oddly, lacks any information about either the US or UK inquiries/investigations.)

I enjoyed this book, but having read so much about the Titanic already, and visited the museum in Belfast, I held few myths in need of busting. (I knew already about the missing binoculars, and that - tragically - radio operators didn't yet keep a 24-hour watch.)

See also: Titanic: Voices from the Disaster by Deborah Hopkinson; Mission Titanic National Geographic documentary ( )