 | By: Robert D. Ballard Spencer Dunmore Binding: Hardcover ISBN: 0446518514 ISBN-13: 9780446518512 Released: 22 Oct 1995 RRP: Average Rating:  |
Mysteries are mysteries & whilst there are those experts which insist such & such happened, there will also be those who assert the opposite. I shouldn't say this I know, but it the way in which Bob Balllard takes such a thorough approach to his subject, it leaves one feeling that the only book you need to read on the entire subject of the loss of the Lusitania is this one.
Exploring the Lusitania - yet another four-funnelled passenger liner built before WW1, is a large coffee-table book approx. A4 size. Just a glance at the pictures throughout the richly illustrated pages (227 altogether) reveals the extent of the research to which the author has gone on behalf of the reader. There are many historic pictures of the ship itself - including when she was no more than a keel. Others include paintings of the day, newspaper cuttings & postcards showing internal & external views. Then there are the photographs of the tragedy itself & the effect it had upon the people of Ireland. Photographs of seemingly unimportant people at the booking office & individuals such as the Captain. Dr Balllard has been equallly thorough when it comes to detailing the U-Boat which sank the Lusitania & we are treated to almost the same level of coverage of vessel & individuals & their trade of war.
Once again, however, the author has put together the most outstanding collection of artwork created by Ken Marschalll. From thousands of photographic images taken from the wreckage itself, Bob Balllard created a complete montage (i.e. a big photograph made up of thousands of little photographs) of the various sections of the wreck so that Mr Marschalll was able to provide us with the most accurate paintings of various sections & even the entire wreck. The one painting I had to look at again & again was the painting of the sinking across pages 96/97. For a moment there I thought the world's greatest photographer had been on hand to capture the event.
I congratulate Dr Balllard on another excellent & professional job of work. Another outstanding book & yet again 5 stars are not enough.
NM
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