Titanic Captain: The Life of Edward John Smith

by G. Cooper

Overview

Commander Edward John Smith's career had been a remarkable example of how a man from a humble background could get far in the world. Born to a working-class family in the landlocked Staffordshire Potteries, he went to sea at the age of 17 and rose rapidly through the ranks of the merchant navy, serving first in sailing vessels and later in the new steamships of the White Star Line. By 1912, he as White Star's senior commander and regarded by many in the shipping world as the 'millionaire's captain'. In 1912, Smith was given command of the new RMS Titanic for her maiden voyage, but what should have been among the crowning moments of his long career at sea turned rapidly into a nightmare following Titanic's collision with an iceberg. In a matter of hours the supposedly unsinkable ship sank, taking over 1,500 people with her, including Captain Smith.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780752460727
Publisher:	The History Press
Publication date:	10/01/2011
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

G. J. Cooper has worked as a typewriter mechanic, a museum illustrator, a supply teacher and now a museum presentations’ assistant. He also has a Masters degree in Victorian Studies.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 7

1 Made in the Potteries 9

2 Before the Mast 33

3 White Star 56

4 The Majestic Years 86

5 Baltic and Adriatic 109

6 The Wednesday Ship 135

7 Titanic 161

8 Nemesis 181

9 Momento Mori 217

10 Epilogue 230

Endnotes 237

Bibliography 249

Index 251