Olympic & Titanic: Triumph And Disaster

PUBLICATION DETAILS

Chirnside, Mark. Olympic & Titanic: Triumph And Disaster. History Press; April 2nd 2026. 416 pages. Twenty-six colour images. ISBN number: 1803996730.

PUBLISHER’S TEXT AND PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

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Relying on extensive primary-source research and presenting much unpublished data, Olympic & Titanic: Triumph and Disaster is not only a valuable reference tool, but provides an essential insight into this period of maritime history.

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Book price: £50 plus postage.

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REVIEWS

‘Very detailed and interesting [with] a lot of ‘new’ information … 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

‘Olympic & Titanic: Triumph and Disaster is a welcome addition to Chirnside’s portfolio of literary works. His ability to find more and more hidden treasures in the British archives make anything he writes a must read whether an Ocean Liner historian or mere passive enthusiast. Triumph and Disaster will earn its place on the bookshelf.’ – Bruce Beveridge, Titanic historian and lead author of Titanic: The Ship Magnificent

‘Chirnside’s book works as a factual history of the White Star Line and the Olympic, leading up to the sinking of the Titanic and the aftermath of the disaster. Much of the information related is told by way of quotes from the people involved, and period newspapers and documentation. Definitely a worthwhile read.’ – Bill Wormstedt BILL WORMSTEDT, Titanic historian and co-author of On a Sea of Glass: The Life and Loss of the RMS Titanic