The Titanic For Dummies

Stephen Spignesi is a New York Times bestselling author who writes about historical biography, popular culture, television, film, American and world history, and contemporary fiction. He is also a university professor, novelist, poet, screenwriter, and musician. His lectures are both entertaining and informative. Seating is limited, so please register online at www.cheshirelibrary.org or call the library at 203-272-2245.
This proram was funded by the Freinds of the Cheshire Public Library.

The Titanic For Dummies paints the whole picture of the most famous maritime disaster. It examines the building of the ship, life onboard during its maiden voyage, tragic decisions made that fateful night, the discovery of the wreck, and the many controversies that have emerged in the century since the sinking. Information includes:

• Theories behind the reason for the sinking (does the blame lie with the watertight doors, bad rivets, or crew negligence?), and when and where the ship split in two.


• A detailed look at how the lack of lifeboats — and the chaos that resulted in lifeboats launching before they reached capacity — resulted in lives lost.


• A Titanic “Who’s Who” identifying notable passengers, including those who were famous before the tragedy and those who gained fame because of it.


• Current thinking about reports of shots being fired onboard, the details of Captain Smith’s death, Murdoch’s possible suicide, and the band’s last song.


• Findings from the Titanic hearings on both sides of the Atlantic.


• A recounting of Robert Ballard’s discovery of the wreck in 1985 and the ongoing debate over whether to salvage the wreck or let the ship remain as a memorial to those who perished.


• A glimpse of the most fascinating artifacts salvaged from the wreckage.


• The Titanic in pop culture: from Broadway to one of the most highest grossing movies in history (was re-released in 3D in 2012 to commemorate the 100th anniversary).

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