All Stations! Distress! - The Day the Titanic Sank - 2008
Front Cover, All Stations! Distress! - The Day the Titanic Sank, by Dan Brown, 2008. Five days into her maiden voyage, with 2,200 people on board, the “unsinkable" Titanic struck an iceberg. GGA Image ID # 10d1d01d61
Introduction
The sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912, remains one of the most tragic and infamous disasters in maritime history. The book All Stations! Distress! The Day the Titanic Sank, published in 2013, offers a detailed and harrowing account of that fateful day, blending personal stories, survivor testimonies, and historical analysis to paint a vivid picture of the catastrophe. Through this work, the reader is taken back in time to experience the terror, heroism, and profound loss that occurred in the cold waters of the North Atlantic.
This book delves into the intricate web of decisions, circumstances, and failures that led to the disaster, while also honoring the resilience of those who lived through it. With a meticulous exploration of the moments leading up to and following the Titanic’s collision with the iceberg, All Stations! Distress! provides an essential narrative for understanding both the scale of the tragedy and its lasting impact on maritime safety regulations.
From the Publisher
THE "UNSINKABLE" MEETS THE UNTHINKABLE -- A gripping acount of the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic. It took 4,000 men to build it, 23 tons of animal grease to slide it into the ocean, 100,000 people to wave bon voyage, but only one wrong move to tear the Titanic apart, sinking it into the pages of history.
On a cold moonless night in April of 1912, 2,000 passengers--both the uber-rich enjoying a luxury cruise and the dirt-poor hoping to find a new life in America--struggled to survive.
Only 700 suceeded. Lifeboats were launched half-full; women were forced to leave their husbands and sons behind; and even those who made it out alive were forever haunted, constantly wondering "why me?"
Told through captivating prose and chilling first-hand accounts, Don Brown take the pieces of the broken Titanic and gives it such a vivid shape that you'd swear you've never heard the story before.
Back Cover, All Stations! Distress! - The Day the Titanic Sank. © 2008. GGA Image ID # 10d1fe47fc
From the Back Cover
As the Titanic sank into the icy Atlantic Ocean on April 15, 1912, the signal went out: All Stations! Distress! This gripping account dramatizes-thë disaster in the words of the survivors and in water-colors that portray the chaos, desperation, arid numerous individual dramas of a night remembered for the most infamous shipwreck in history.
About the Author
Don Brown is the author and illustrator of many highly praised picture-book biographies and histories for children. His subjects have included the 1899 New York newsboys* strike, the movie pioneer Mack Sennett, and the scientist Albert Einstein. His Actual Times series covers significant days in history such as the battles of Lexington and Concord, and the sinking of the Titanic. He is also the author of two historical novels for older readers. Don Brown lives with his family on Long Island, New York.
Library of Congress Catalog Listing
- Main title: All stations! distress! : April 15, 1912, the day the Titanic sank / Don Brown.
- Edition: 1st ed.
- Published/Created: New York : Flash Point/Roaring Brook Press, 2008.
- Description: [60] p. : col. ill. ; 24 cm.
- ISBN-13: 9781596432222
- ISBN-10: 1596432225
- LC classification: G530.T6 B756 2008
- Summary: Provides the captivating story of this amazing vessel, the people who built it, and its tragic demise during its maiden voyage across the Atlantic as told through first-hand accounts and detailed illustrations of the events as they happened.
- LC Subjects
Titanic (Steamship)--Juvenile literature.
Titanic (Steamship)
Shipwrecks--North Atlantic Ocean--Juvenile literature.
Shipwrecks--North Atlantic Ocean. - Notes: Includes bibliographical references.
- LCCN: 2008008934
- Dewey class no.: 910.9163/4
- Geographic area code: ln-----
- Type of material: Book
Key Points
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A Detailed Timeline of Events: The book meticulously chronicles the timeline of the Titanic's sinking, beginning with its collision with the iceberg at 11:40 p.m. on April 14, 1912, and ending with the Carpathia's rescue of the survivors in the early hours of April 15. This step-by-step recounting provides readers with a clear understanding of the unfolding disaster.
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Personal Accounts and Survivor Stories: A key feature of the book is its focus on the human stories of the Titanic. Testimonies from survivors, such as passengers and crew members, are interwoven throughout the narrative, providing a personal and emotional lens through which to view the tragedy.
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Analysis of the SOS and Distress Signals: The title All Stations! Distress! emphasizes the critical role of wireless technology during the disaster. The book explores how the Titanic’s distress calls were received and how different ships, such as the Carpathia and Californian, responded to those signals.
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Failures in Safety Protocols: The book sheds light on the Titanic's insufficient lifeboats, lack of proper evacuation procedures, and the complacency surrounding the ship’s supposed "unsinkable" status. These issues are analyzed in detail to reveal how they contributed to the loss of over 1,500 lives.
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The Role of the Carpathia and Other Ships: All Stations! Distress! highlights the heroic efforts of the RMS Carpathia, the ship that rushed to the scene to rescue the Titanic's survivors. The text also examines the controversial role of the SS Californian, which was in proximity to the sinking Titanic but failed to provide timely assistance.
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Impact on Maritime Law and Safety Standards: One of the lasting legacies of the Titanic disaster was the overhaul of maritime safety regulations. The book discusses how the tragedy led to the establishment of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) in 1914, which set new standards for lifeboat provisions, wireless communication, and iceberg patrols.
Summary
All Stations! Distress! The Day the Titanic Sank is a compelling and meticulously researched account of the Titanic disaster, offering a deep dive into the events of April 14-15, 1912. Through a combination of survivor testimonies, historical analysis, and a detailed exploration of the ship's distress signals, the book immerses readers in the tragedy, offering a nuanced understanding of how the disaster unfolded. The narrative highlights not only the technical and logistical failures that led to the catastrophe but also the individual acts of heroism and sacrifice that took place during the ship's final hours.
By focusing on the Titanic's inadequate safety measures and the subsequent rescue efforts, the book reveals how this disaster became a turning point for maritime safety regulations. Ultimately, All Stations! Distress! serves as both a tribute to the lives lost and a critical examination of the failures that allowed such a tragedy to occur.
Conclusion
In All Stations! Distress! The Day the Titanic Sank, readers are given a thorough and emotional recounting of one of history's most significant maritime tragedies. The book offers a balance of personal stories and factual analysis, helping readers understand the human and technical aspects of the disaster.
More than a recounting of the Titanic’s demise, the book serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of preparedness and vigilance in maritime travel. The tragedy of the Titanic not only reshaped safety regulations but also left an indelible mark on public consciousness.
This work ensures that the lessons learned from that dark night at sea continue to resonate with future generations, preserving the memory of the lives lost while pushing for ongoing improvements in safety standards.
Book Information
All Stations! Distress! – The Day the Titanic Sank by Dan Brown (2008)
A Harrowing Account of History’s Most Infamous Maritime Disaster
An exceptional copy of All Stations! Distress! The Day the Titanic Sank, authored by Dan Brown and published in 2008 by Flash Point/Roaring Brook Press. This work offers an immersive, meticulously researched account of the RMS Titanic’s tragic maiden voyage and its lasting impact on maritime history and safety.
Description and Condition
- Format: Hardcover, first edition.
- Measurements: Approximately 9.5" x 7.5".
- Condition: Good, with no significant defects. The cover retains its vibrant imagery, and the binding and pages remain crisp and clean. A compelling addition to any Titanic or maritime history collection.
Historical Significance
The sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912, marked a watershed moment in maritime history. With over 1,500 lives lost, the tragedy underscored the hubris of labeling the ship “unsinkable” and the critical need for safety protocols. Brown’s book masterfully combines survivor accounts, historical analysis, and vivid storytelling to breathe new life into this pivotal event.
Key Features
1. A Step-by-Step Recounting of the Tragedy
Brown meticulously details the timeline, from the Titanic’s collision with an iceberg to the final moments of its descent into the icy waters of the Atlantic. Readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the disaster’s sequence of events.
2. Survivor Testimonies
First-hand accounts from passengers and crew provide an emotional and personal lens through which the tragedy is experienced. These stories highlight the terror, heroism, and humanity that defined the Titanic’s final hours.
3. Technological Innovations and Failures
A focused exploration of the Titanic’s distress calls emphasizes the groundbreaking role of wireless communication, while also addressing the failure of nearby ships like the SS Californian to respond effectively.
4. Maritime Safety Overhaul
The book illustrates how the Titanic disaster became a catalyst for sweeping changes in maritime law, including the establishment of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) in 1914.
5. Artistry in Storytelling
Accompanied by evocative watercolors and illustrations, the narrative captures both the grandeur of the Titanic and the chaos of its demise, creating an immersive reading experience.
Collectors, Historians, and Titanic Enthusiasts
As an intricately crafted narrative on one of history’s most poignant maritime disasters, this book holds immense value for collectors, historians, and Titanic enthusiasts. Its blend of technical detail and emotional depth ensures its enduring significance in the realm of historical literature.
Summary
All Stations! Distress! The Day the Titanic Sank is a moving and meticulously researched account of the Titanic’s ill-fated voyage. Brown’s narrative weaves together survivor testimonies, technical analysis, and vivid imagery to provide a comprehensive and emotionally resonant retelling of the tragedy.
This work goes beyond recounting events; it reflects on human vulnerability, technological ambition, and the enduring lessons learned from one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.
Conclusion
A cornerstone piece for collectors of Titanic memorabilia and maritime history, All Stations! Distress! is both a tribute to those who perished and a sobering reminder of the importance of preparedness and vigilance. Its enduring legacy ensures its place as a treasured artifact in any significant literary collection.
