The Darksome Bounds of a Failing World: The Sinking of the 'Titanic' and the End of the Edwardian Era
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The Darksome Bounds of a Failing World: The Sinking of the 'Titanic' and the End of the Edwardian Era
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Narrated by:
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Jenny Funnell
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By:
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Gareth Russell
About this listen
When the Titanic sank, so did the Edwardian age that created it. In this brilliantly original history, Gareth Russell recasts a tragedy we think we know to explore an era of seismic change.
With new research and previously unseen first-hand accounts, Gareth Russell peers through the most famous portholes in the world to follow six travellers. Amongst them, a Jewish-American immigrant, an American movie star, a member of the British nobility, and a titan of industry. Setting these lives against that of the Titanic, Russell investigates social class, technological advancement, political turmoil and pioneering ambition in an age that swang between folly and brilliance, hubris and triumph.
A dramatic history of human endeavour told through extraordinary, diverse personalities, The Ship of Dreams dispels myth to revive the story of a ship that was to become symbolic of its own doomed era.
Previously published as The Darksome Bounds of a Failing World.
©2018 Gareth Russell (P)2018 HarperCollins PublishersListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
‘A fascinating look at life during a doomed era … Like spending time with an amusing conversationalist aboard what the Edwardians called ‘a ship of dreams’ … Russell’s social observations are sharp and witty … the wider history he presents is packed with interesting details.’ Times, Book of the Week
‘Gripping …. the attention to detail is astonishing.’ Sunday Times
‘Engrossing … This masterly reconstruction renders the Titanic story vital again’ Mail on Sunday
‘Russell sets out to look at the night through the experiences of six first-class passengers … Russell reminds us no one thought the Titanic could sink … The belief in the infallibility of bigness is the most striking feature of Russell’s darksome failing world’ Daily Telegraph
‘It is a wonderful, multi-angled view of history and grips the reader as compellingly as a pacey historical or epic movie … Russell has written a wonderful book, full of personalities, history but most of all suspense.’ Independent
‘Gareth Russell invites us into the first-class staterooms aboard the RMS Titanic and brings to life the Edwardian era and its elite—the exclusive circle of Europeans and Americans who wielded unimaginable wealth and influence on both sides of the Atlantic. Deeply researched and lushly detailed, the book shines new light on both the bygone Golden Age and the iconic tragedy that marked the beginning of its end.’ Lynn Vincent, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Indianapolis
‘This absorbing account proves that there are many levels to the endless fascination of the Titanic story … Gareth Russell skilfully constructs an eloquent and gripping narrative that is essentially a microcosm of the moribund Edwardian class system that would go down with the Titanic and finally be obliterated by war in 1914.’ Helen Rappaport, author of Four Sisters: The Lost Lives of the Romanov Grand Duchesses
What listeners say about The Darksome Bounds of a Failing World: The Sinking of the 'Titanic' and the End of the Edwardian Era
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Philippa B
- 18-03-23
Impeccably researched and presented
No one stone is left unturned in this incredible narrative of what you may think is a familiar story with nothing more to tell. Think again!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Elizabeth Pegg(manners)
- 18-03-23
Second time round
I have just finished this book for the second time and I think I enjoyed it even more.
It is very well written and so informative. It is easy to imagine the decor of the shit, the personalities of the individuals, the horror of the situation and the fortitude of the naval men on board and indeed the passengers to do their duty and help as many as they could . I think the most chilling image is of the German ship, passing four days later, and seeing the frozen corpses in the sea. This must’ve been a memory that would’ve lived with them forever.
The narrator voice is perfect, calming and clear .
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- S Riaz
- 14-04-19
The Darksome Bounds of a Failing World
Over the years, I have read many books about Titanic and this is, certainly, one of the best. (I know many who consider themselves experts on the ship, dislike it referred to as, ‘the’ Titanic, but the subtitle does so: ‘The Sinking of the Titanic and the End of the Edwardian Era).
With so many books about Titanic available, there is always the question of whether it adds anything new. I think it does – it is meticulously researched, with incredible detail, and puts events into historical perspective, as well as considering the many conspiracy theories, surrounding the ship.
Although author, Gareth Russell, is careful about his facts, he never loses the drama of the events. He takes us through everything; from the making of Titanic in the Belfast shipyards, with interesting background on the city and why it was used, through the voyage, the sinking and the aftermath. Titanic, he states, was the product of ‘British sensibilities and American money.” A world on the cusp of change, with the unknown spectre of WWI about to explode and overshadow the loss of life.
Interestingly, Russell suggests that it was the American men who were under more social pressure than the British, to give up their life for the women and children. Lady Duff Cooper, having been informed her husband could not accompany her in a lifeboat, simply went to the other side of the ship and found one which would allow it and declared herself astounded at how easily American wives seemed to accept the separation. This was, to me, quite an interesting perspective, and undoubtedly influenced by the way male survivors were shamed by the press after the sinking; no one more than J. Bruce Ismay (and I highly recommend, “How to Survive the Titanic or the Sinking of J. Bruce Ismay), about the various attacks made on him after his survival.
It was also fascinating to learn how quickly interest in Titanic resulted in memoirs and, even a film, with one American actress, wearing the exact outfit in the silent movie (now sadly lost) that she had worn on the night she entered the lifeboat that saved her. Despite knowing exactly what would happen, this is a gripping and informative read, which was beautifully read by Jenny Funnell.
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11 people found this helpful
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- Juliet
- 20-06-21
Fantastic fascinating full of facts.
I cannot imagine how much research and hard work went into this book. Very well written and packed with new historically accurate information and first hand experience and story. I am very sad it has ended. Just lapped it up, learnt so much. American history, industry and prejudice between new wealth and old. Irish and British history. Cinema, stage, industry, unions, religious differences and the crew of the Titanic. Famous passengers, actresses, business men, et al to mention but a few. Brilliant book.
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2 people found this helpful