Triumph and Disaster

A comprehensive reference volume on Olympic and Titanic, the first two of the ‘Olympic’ class ships

‘This intriguing book delves into the history of these two Olympic class ships. It matches the origins of their ancient Greek namesakes … the Titans & Olympian Gods.’ – Steve Hall, Titanic historian and co-author of RMS Titanic in 50 Objects

It is impossible to understand Titanic without appreciating the broader context: the development of the White Star Line and its competitors in the preceding decades; Anglo-German competition; the British fear of the ‘American peril’ as foreign capital increasingly controlled British shipping companies; and the relentless advance in shipbuilding and technology.

This definitive volume explores the lead-up to the construction of Olympic and Titanic, providing a step-by-step account of the design process and a look at the financial, logistical and political obstacles the White Star Line had to tackle; the ups and downs of Olympic’s maiden season; and Titanic’s disastrous end.

Relying on extensive primary-source research and presenting much unpublished data, Olympic & Titanic: Triumph and Disaster is not only a valuable reference tool, but provides an essential insight into this period of maritime history.