on a sea of glass: the life and loss of the rms titanic

on a sea of glass: the life and loss of the rms titanic cover
Good Books rating 3.7
Technical
  • ID: 4328
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781445614397
  • Publisher: Amberley Publishing Limited
  • Published: 2013-07-15
  • Reviews: 3

On a Sea of Glass offers a meticulously documented and richly illustrated account of the Titanic's history, from its grand construction to its catastrophic sinking. The book delves into the human stories behind the tragedy, exploring the lives of passengers and crew, and examines the broader societal and technological context of the time. The aftermath of the disaster is also thoroughly explored, including the investigations into the sinking and the lasting impact on maritime safety. The book's sumptuous illustrations and detailed research make it a compelling resource for both historians and general readers interested in one of the most infamous events of the 20th century.

Reviews
Audiobooks.com · 2025-10-21
great 4.50

The book is described as accurate and engrossing, made special by the inclusion of rare survivor accounts. It is considered a definitive telling of the Titanic's story.

This reviewer finds the book to be both accurate and engrossing, making it a compelling read. They particularly appreciate the use of rare survivor accounts, which add a unique and special dimension to the narrative. The reviewer believes that the book provides a definitive telling of the Titanic's story, making it a standout in the genre. The attention to detail and the inclusion of firsthand accounts are highly praised, enhancing the overall reading experience. The book is seen as a must-have for anyone interested in the Titanic, offering a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the subject.


Quick quotes

    This book is an accurate and engrossing a telling of the life of the White Star Line's Titanic.

    Made special by the use of so many rare survivor accounts.

    The absolute definitive book on the Titanic. Everything else pales in comparison.

Encyclopedia Titanica · 2021-05-26
excellent 4.80

The book is praised as one of the best Titanic books, considered the new gold standard on the subject. It is highly recommended for its comprehensive and engaging content.

This reviewer is extremely enthusiastic about the book, calling it one of the best Titanic books they have ever read. They believe it sets a new gold standard for Titanic literature, offering a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the subject. The reviewer is currently enjoying the book and highly recommends it to others interested in the Titanic. They appreciate the depth and detail provided, making it a must-have for any Titanic enthusiast. The book's ability to captivate and inform is highly praised, making it a standout in the genre.


Quick quotes

    "On A Sea of Glass" is one of the best Titanic books I've ever seen, in my opinion the new gold standard on the subject.

    I'm currently enjoying it...

    This book is an accurate and engrossing a telling of the life of the White Star Line's Titanic.

Goodreads · 2012-06-01
disappointing 1.80

The prose is criticized for being wandering, labored, and stilted, possibly due to multiple authors and insufficient editing. The book is seen as lacking cohesion and polish.

This reviewer found the writing style of the book to be quite problematic. They felt that the prose was wandering, labored, and stilted, which made the reading experience less enjoyable. The reviewer speculates that these issues might stem from the book having three authors, suggesting that more serious editing could have helped. Overall, they felt that the book suffered from a lack of cohesion and polish, which detracted from its potential impact. Despite these criticisms, the reviewer acknowledges that the book might still be valuable for its content, but the execution falls short.


Quick quotes

    Its prose is wandering, labored, and stilted.

    Maybe it's because this book had three authors and could have used more serious editing.

    I'm not sure if it was because of the multiple authors or just lack of editing, but the book felt disjointed and unpolished.