OTHER BOOKS

Beveridge, Bruce, and Hall, Steve.
Olympic & Titanic: The Truth Behind The Conspiracy.
Six Star Publishing; March 26th 2004.

Bruce Beveridge and Steve Hall’s book is widely acknowledged to be the most comprehensive analysis of the absurd and discredited conspiracy theory put forward by authors such as Robin Gardiner. Including a mass of technical information and photographs – many of which are rare or previously unpublished – this book is vital reading for any ‘rivet counter’ or conspiracy theorist. In my view, it comprehensively debunks the idea that the two ships were swapped and proves beyond doubt that the Titanic sank. Mark was pleased to offer a small contribution to the book with reference to the Olympic’s history.

Marshall, Sarah.
The Skies Beyond.
Peterborough : Poetry Now; April 30th 2005.

Described as ‘an inspiring collection of contrasting and vibrant verses all interlaced inside one solitary anthology,’ this book includes poems of ‘a breathtaking array of styles and content, as each divergent poem weaves into a new and spectacular adventure.’ Featuring more than 150 poems and authors, Mark’s poem Radio Pyongyang is included, having made the editor’s final selection out of a large number of poems.

Layton , J. Kent.
Atlantic Liners: A Trio of Trios.
Café Press Publishing; May 2005.
Revised and Expanded Edition: Lulu; March 2009.

J. Kent Layton’s book is a magnificent contribution to ocean liner literature and research, containing interesting histories of both Cunard’s trio of liners, Lusitania, Mauretania and Aquitania, White Star’s ‘Olympic’ class trio, and HAPAG’s trio – originally named Imperator, Vaterland and Bismarck. Well written and illustrated, packed with facts about these nine liners, the book is well worth having and can be purchased through the website Atlantic Liners. Mark’s books, The Olympic Class Ships: Olympic, Titanic & Britannic and RMS Olympic: Titanic’s Sister, are referenced by the author and Mark was pleased to be able to offer a small contribution to the book, including for the feature on the Britannic’s hospital ship number. When the book was issued as a revised and expanded edition (pictured), Mark gave further assistance and contributed the introduction to the updated work.

Jellicoe, Admiral Viscount.
The Grand Fleet 1914-1916: The Creation, Development and Work.
Ad Hoc Publications; March 2006.

A fascinating book, originally published in 1919 and now republished with new material and information, Mark was happy to make some small contributions with regard to Britannic’s history.

Layton , J. Kent.
Lusitania: An Illustrated Biography of the Ship of Splendour.
Lulu; April 2007.

After publishing Atlantic Liners, J. Kent Layton’s fine history of Cunard’s Lusitania is an outstanding contribution to ocean liner literature. Remembered all too often for her tragic loss in May 1915, Lusitania ’s career was an immense success from the time of her maiden voyage in 1907. The book tries to redress the balance, and shift attention to her successful career rather than her unfortunate end. Mark’s The Olympic Class Ships: Olympic, Titanic & Britannic and RMS Olympic: Titanic’s Sister were referenced, while Mark undertook some archival research work for the author and uncovered some fascinating information for the project.

Beveridge, Bruce, with Andrews, Scott; Hall, Steve; Klistorner, Daniel; and Braunschweiger, Art (Ed.)
Titanic: The Ship Magnificent.
The History Press; April 2008.

This team effort has produced an extensive – indeed, definitive – study of the technical aspects of Titanic, her design, construction and outfitting. Mark was pleased to assist on a number of issues, including his research into coal consumption, sharing his original research on a whole range of topics and new material.

Holt, Brent.
SS Leviathan: America’s First Superliner.
The History Press; February 2009.

Brent Holt has published his first book, an illustrated history of Leviathan. Along with RMS Berengaria: Cunard’s Happy Ship by Les Streater (Tempus Publishing; 2001) and RMS Majestic: The ‘Magic Stick’ by Mark Chirnside (Tempus Publishing; 2006), the new book means that History Press and its forerunner - Tempus Publishing - have produced a book devoted to each vessel’s life and career. This new book is a welcome addition to any maritime reference library and helps to put the ship’s success in context, while providing many stunning images.