Mike
I agree that Mr. Gardiners assertions are ludicrous but I have changed my mind about the book since my first disbelieving read.
Firstly, despite the content, it's a darn good read...if it was released as fiction it would have been brilliant.
Secondly, I have found out lots of interesting new information about the disaster from Mr Gardiners research. If you take away the conspiracy theory and a few twisted arguments there is an awful lot of valuable content in the book. It's a shame that it's almost impossible to quote the author as a source because it seems everyone will sneer at the worth of the quote, which is totally understandable given the basic premise of the book.
He does look at the disaster from a significant angle though, that of a total cynic who is not afraid to tread on eggshells and to offer new insights into the people involved in the disaster. He has given me quite a bit of food for thought.
An example of his Jekyll and Hyde manner of writing is his extremely informative chapter on the story of Charles Joughin and the survivors on
Collapsible B.
I had always just accepted their story but Mr. Gardiner showed how unlikely it was in a very persuasive manner. If he had left the readers to ponder the issue and make up their own minds, it would have been excellent.
However he then went on to say how a "special" boat was launched for the rich
first class passengers and was eventually swamped by struggling swimmers.
That kind of assumption ruins the book as serious study, but the author deserves praise for casting doubt on widely held beliefs.
Why do we accept the stories of Lightoller and Gracie? The chances are they are true but I am sure the picture on the night the Titanic sank was very very different from what we believe today.
The journalistic frenzy to get "good copy" at the time, the changing story of survivors as the years passed (check out the thread on Eva Hart),eyewitness errors (the break up) and the human need to paint oneself in as good a light as possible in an era when moral integrity was everything have all contributed to the story of the Titanic....along with the truth.
Remember, their was no media of any kind (apart from the wireless on the Titanic the night she sank and total trust must be placed in eyewitness accounts to get the full story.
Well, I for one don't believe it all and Mr Gardiner has opened my eyes in many ways.
Regards
Sam