Robert Ballard's Lusitania

Of course, Dr Robert Ballard will forever remain the man who found the Titanic, but in this book he also provides the reader with an extremely well documented account of the loss of the Lusitania. Mysteries are mysteries and whilst there are those experts which insist such and 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 Ballard 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 and postcards showing internal and external views. Then there are the photographs of the tragedy itself and the effect it had upon the people of Ireland. Photographs of seemingly unimportant people at the booking office and individuals such as the Captain. Dr Ballard has been equally thorough when it comes to detailing the U-Boat which sank the Lusitania and we are treated to almost the same level of coverage of vessel and individuals and their trade of war. Once again, however, the author has put together the most outstanding collection of artwork created by Ken Marschall. From thousands of photographic images taken from the wreckage itself, Bob Ballard 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 Marschall was able to provide us with the most accurate paintings of various sections and even the entire wreck. The one painting I had to look at again and 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 Ballard on another excellent and professional job of work. Another outstanding book and yet again 5 stars are not enough. NM

In 8th grade, I had to do a research project on the RMS Lusitania. No book helped more then Ballard's. I practically read the book 5 times over, some times just for fun. I must say that Dr. Ballard got me interested in shipwrecks.The book was an excellent source of information. And Ballard's unique writing style brought it all together. He writes about real people on the doomed liner. We see the world through their eyes. This makes the sinking come alive and become so much more real. This book becomes an excellent study tool or just a pleasure read.I must also praise the artist, who painted the pictures in the book. They are amazing! I had to do a double-take on just about every picture, they look so real! After my project, I had to return the book to the library. I wanted to by it online but was disappointed to find that it is out of stock. I'm delited on having this book, I love it. Dr. Ballard really has a gift, he brings the world closer to our lost ships then we could ever get on our own! Exploring the Lusitania is simply Amazing!

My Grandfather, Patrick Melia (changed from O'Melia), was a stoker on the RMS Lusitania, his body was never found. I have read all that is out there about this ill fated liner and feel that Ballard and Dunmore have hit the mark. Great photos and loaded with facts.

Since I heared about Dr Ballard`s expedition to the Lusitania I have been waiting for this book and I was not let down.The introduction is clear and helps set the scene about the ships history.The text is superb the emotions of that fatefull day easly come apparent for the reader.The photographs are superb.Ken`s paintings of Lusitania sinking are so brilliant one can feel the people struggling for their lives.The section on Lusitania now and then is lovely the underwater photographs are both chilling and haunting.As is the paintings of the wreck.

This is an extremly exceptional book. There has been few publications on the wreck of the Lusitania and all are out of print. with this book it is the only one that gives this type of account about this disaster. I have been studying shipwrecks for the past ten years and this book gave me facts that i did not even know.If you are into shipwrecks as i am then this is a great book for you.