BEESLEY, Lawrence. The Loss of the S.S. Titanic. London: William Heinemann, 1912.
8vo. Publisher's purple cloth, spine lettered in gilt, upper board lettered in gilt; pp. [xii], 302, [2]; with 5 illustrated plates, two folding; light fading to spine and gilt lettering; slight splitting to spine hinge of upper board; light rubbing to extremities; minimal foxing throughout, concentrated at endpapers and fly-leaves; ownership inscription in ink to front fly-leaf.
First edition. Lawrence Beesley provides a first-hand survivor's account and recollection of the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in April 1912. Published in the same year, just a few months after the disaster, this account provides a poignant and detailed narrative of the events leading up to the sinking, and the ensuing chaos. Beesley's writing is marked by its clear and vivid storytelling, making readers feel as though they are right there with him on the ill-fated voyage. He conveys the initial disbelief, the gradual realisation of the severity of the situation, and the heroic and tragic acts of passengers and crew as the ship sank into the icy waters of the North Atlantic.
Beesley was a second-class passenger on the Titanic, and this book offers a unique perspective into the opulence and luxury of the ship. Beyond the narrative of the disaster itself, Beesley reflects on the human response to catastrophe, the bravery of those who assisted others, and the profound loss of life. He also delves into the subsequent inquiries and investigations into the sinking.
#2118627