Quick Take

After rewriting history with their discovery of a Nazi U-boat off the coast of New Jersey, legendary divers John Chatterton and Richie Kohler decided to investigate the great enduring mystery of history's most notorious shipwreck: Why did Titanic sink as quickly as it did?To answer the question, Chatterton and Kohler assemble a team of experts to explore Titanic, study its engineering, and dive to the wreck of its sister ship, Brittanic, where Titanic's last secrets may be revealed.Titanic's Last Secrets is a rollercoaster ride through the shipbuilding history, the transatlantic luxury liner business, and shipwreck forensics. Chatterton and Kohler weave their way through a labyrinth of clues to discover that Titanic was not the strong, heroic ship the world thought she was and that the men who built her covered up her flaws when disaster struck. If Titanic had remained afloat for just two hours longer than she did, more than two thousand people would have lived instead of died, and the myth of the great ship would be one of rescue instead of tragedy. Titanic's Last Secrets is the never-before-told story of the Ship of Dreams, a contemporary adventure that solves a historical mystery.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Titanic's Last Secrets

Introduction

"Titanic's Last Secrets" by Bradford Matsen is a captivating book that delves into the mysterious sinking of the Titanic. It offers a fresh perspective on the tragedy, exploring the engineering, business, and forensics surrounding the ship. Matsen, an experienced author, skillfully weaves together historical research and personal accounts to present a compelling narrative. In this article, we will provide an overview of the book, introduce the author, analyze readers' views, and summarize the reasons for recommending and not recommending this book.

About Bradford Matsen

Bradford Matsen, the author of "Titanic's Last Secrets," has been writing about the wonders of the sea for over forty years. With a background in marine science and a passion for exploration, Matsen brings a wealth of knowledge to his writing. He has authored numerous books, including "Jacques Cousteau: The Sea King," "Descent: The Heroic Discovery of the Abyss," and "Titanic's Last Secrets." Matsen's ability to combine scientific research with storytelling makes him a highly respected author in the field of oceanography.

Analysis of Views

New Information: Many readers found "Titanic's Last Secrets" to be a revelation, providing new insights into the sinking of the Titanic. The book unraveled common beliefs about the events that occurred that fateful night, offering a fresh perspective on the tragedy.
Engaging Storytelling: Matsen's storytelling style captivated readers, making the book an engaging and enjoyable read. The narrative blends historical research with personal accounts, creating a compelling adventure that keeps readers hooked.
In-Depth Exploration: Readers appreciated the book's in-depth exploration of the Titanic's construction, shipbuilding history, and the transatlantic luxury liner business. Matsen delves into the background of the White Star Line and provides valuable context for understanding the ship's design and its tragic end.
Historical Context: The book offers a wealth of historical context, shedding light on the Congressional hearings and cover-ups surrounding the sinking of the Titanic. Readers found this aspect of the book particularly enlightening, as it provided a deeper understanding of the events that followed the tragedy.
Well-Researched: Many readers praised Matsen's research, noting that he presents well-supported evidence throughout the book. The book is backed by extensive historical research, making it a reliable source for those interested in learning about the Titanic sinking.

Reasons for Recommendation

New Perspectives: "Titanic's Last Secrets" offers readers a fresh look at the sinking of the Titanic, providing new insights and theories that challenge conventional beliefs. This alone makes it a highly recommended read for those seeking to expand their understanding of this historical event.
Engaging Narrative: Matsen's storytelling skills make "Titanic's Last Secrets" an enjoyable and engaging read. The book combines historical research with personal accounts, creating a compelling adventure that keeps readers captivated from start to finish.
In-Depth Exploration: Readers appreciate the depth of knowledge and research that Matsen brings to the book. The exploration of the Titanic's construction, shipbuilding history, and business context provides a comprehensive understanding of one of history's most significant maritime disasters.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Limited Diving Content: Some readers were disappointed that the book focused more on historical research than diving adventures. If you are primarily interested in reading about underwater exploration and discoveries, this book may not fully satisfy your expectations.
Lack of Conclusion Clarity: A few readers found it challenging to discern the conclusions drawn by Matsen and his team from the presented evidence. While they appreciated the thorough research and theories presented in the book, they felt that certain aspects lacked clarity or were not fully supported by diving on Titanic itself.

Conclusion

"Titanic's Last Secrets" by Bradford Matsen is a captivating book that delves into the mysterious sinking of the Titanic. With its engaging storytelling, in-depth exploration of shipbuilding history, and well-researched insights, it offers readers a fresh perspective on this iconic tragedy. While some readers may find it lacking in diving content or clarity in certain areas, overall, "Titanic's Last Secrets" is a highly recommended read for those interested in uncovering new perspectives on one of history's most enduring mysteries.