History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

The Essential Little Cruise Book, 3rd: Secrets from a Cruise Director for a Perfect Cruise Vacation

Average customer rating:

Not Particularly Useful
The Essential little Cruise Book
The Essential Little Cruise Book, 3rd.
over-hyped, under-delivered
Neat little book, especially for first-timers -- But not incredibly informative!

The Essential Little Cruise Book, 3rd: Secrets from a Cruise Director for a Perfect Cruise Vacation
Jim West
Manufacturer: Globe Pequot
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Cruises | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Essential | Guidebook Series | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0762728280

Amazon.com

This smart little book offers helpful advice both for those embarking on their first cruise as well as salty veterans. The Essential Little Cruise Book covers everything form how to choose a cruise that's right for you, picking a travel agent and cabin, what to bring, cruise etiquette, and how to cure sea sickness: "Old-fashioned cures that sailors have sworn by: If you do begin to feel sick, go outside, look at the horizon, and stay in the middle section of the ship. Also, eat some dry crackers or bread sticks, and stay away form liquids." With more than 500 cruises under his belt as a cruise director, author Jim West provides insight and tips that can greatly improve a cruise vacation.

Book Description

This compact collection of cruise wisdom holds everything you need to know for a perfect vacation at sea. Jim West has logged millions of nautical miles as a cruise director and doles out the answers to cruise questions with wit and style. This new edition includes two new chapters with tips directed toward cruises in the Caribbean and Alaska.

Customer Reviews:

Not Particularly Useful.......2007-06-08

The gist of this book is: "Have a good time, no matter what. Avoid bugging the staff, your problem's not that big." Very little in the way of stuff which could enhance your cruise or keep you out of trouble.

The Essential little Cruise Book.......2007-03-02

I am returning this item.
Its a small little book with just general information nothing specific or insightfull.

The Essential Little Cruise Book, 3rd........2006-08-22

Having never taken a cruise, I found this book very imformative, answered many questions I had. Would recomend this book to any first time cruiser.

over-hyped, under-delivered.......2006-07-09

A waste of money and a big disappointment. There were no "insider" tips offered. A very general overview of cruising. There is far more good information available from internet cruising blogs. Anyone want to buy a slightly used book?

Neat little book, especially for first-timers -- But not incredibly informative!.......2006-06-07

I've never been on a cruise but am going on my first next month! I decided to get this book because of the decent reviews and reasonable price. I must say, it definitely has several tips that I think will be useful: the best cabin is in the center of the ship both horizontally and vertically, bring Dramamine just in case, and don't think because you feel the cool breeze from the ship moving that you're not getting sunburned! It also has some interesting tips on cruise etiquette (like never decline an invitation to sit at the Captain's Table at dinner)...Some of the items are pretty obvious (don't go into a door that says "Crew Only") and seem to be there to just to lengthen the book.

Overall, it's a fun read, and even if you've been on a cruise before I guarantee you will learn something new from this book. One thing to note is that the book is really just a big bulleted list of hints and suggestions from a former Cruise Director. No real details or war stories from the "inside." The tips are helpful but I wouldn't call them "essential." It would definitely make a thoughtful Bon Voyage gift for someone going on a cruise, though!

The American Magic: Codes, Ciphers and the Defeat of Japan

Average customer rating:

The American Magic: Codes, Ciphers and the Defeat of Japan
Ronald Lewin
Manufacturer: Farrar Straus & Giroux (T)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Japan | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0374104174

Average customer rating:

This is a children's book...
A Good Explanation of Emoto for Children

The Secret of Water
Masaru Emoto
Manufacturer: Atria
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Health, Mind & Body | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Water | Conservation | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1582701571

Book Description

Dr. Masaru Emoto's stunning water-crystal photographs have enchanted millions of people in his many books. His groundbreaking work has shown that thoughts and words have a direct effect on water- crystal formation, and since our bodies are mostly water, our thoughts and words certainly affect not only ourselves but the world around us. In The Secret of Water, Dr. Emoto brings water's message of love, peace, and hope to the next generation in his first children's book. Entertaining and educational, this book offers an understanding of water that will encourage parents and children alike to value and give thanks to our most precious resource.

In 2003 the United Nations proclaimed the years 2005 to 2015 as its International Water for Life Decade, which urges citizens of the world to take individual responsibility to learn all about water. In a time wrought with environmental catastrophes and natural disasters, The Secret of Water shows the necessity of protecting water and offers a message of hope and empowerment. Help us shift consciousness

Customer Reviews:

This is a children's book..........2007-08-01

I thought it was a book for adults but this is a children's book and it leans distictly to the left.

A Good Explanation of Emoto for Children.......2007-02-19

This book was not what I expected. I didn't realized I was buying a children's book, but as it turns out, the book is excellent and I will use it in my classroom. It gives a good explanation of Emoto's theory about water that is interesting and easy to follow.

Fodor's FYI: Plan and Enjoy Your Cruise, 1st Edition: Experts Share Their Secrets (Special-Interest Titles)

Average customer rating:

Not recommended for first time cruisers
Great Basic Cruise Information
Great for Newbies

Fodor's FYI: Plan and Enjoy Your Cruise, 1st Edition: Experts Share Their Secrets (Special-Interest Titles)
Fodor's
Manufacturer: Fodor's
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Cruises | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Essays & Travelogues | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0679005072
Release Date: 2001-06-12

Book Description

Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a veteran, this book will help you plan a cruise you'll never forget. Fodor's experts lay out a clear-cut game plan for making your dreams a reality, from picking a ship to getting the right dinner seating. Get great advice on: scoring the best deals and avoiding scams; picking a perfect travel agent; exploring beyond the usual destinations; before-you-go secrets to avoid hassles later on; the first six things to do after you board; tips on how to avoid seasickness; what to buy; plus the inside scoop on shipboard dining, gambling, and more. Fodor's FYI Plan & Enjoy your Cruise also gives you real-life stories from travelers like you; questions and answers; checklists, do's and don?ts; web sites, addresses, and phone numbers. So if you're going on a cruise, plan ahead!

Customer Reviews:

Not recommended for first time cruisers.......2006-11-04

Although this book has good basic information it is several years outdated.

Great Basic Cruise Information.......2005-09-27

This cruise plan and enjoy your cruise by Fodor is a great basic first read for anyone new to the art of cruise vacations.
It is easy to read, laid out simply and gives many idea's on which line to choose, what to take with you, when to go, how to investigate what excursions you might like.
After reading this book I then purchased two Travel books to look at my options for how best to investigate the ports of call I will be going to see.

Great for Newbies.......2005-06-24

In Plan and Enjoy your Cruise by Fodor's FYI series, you get a brief, basic description of each step from planning, purchasing, packing for and enjoying your cruise trip.

The book is the size of a small paperback and is only about 200 pages of large-print type. That being said, it really does step you through all of the basic, common-sense things to keep in mind when you're planning a cruise. It talks about making sure you choose a cruise situation that is right for you - and not right for the travel agent's pocketbook. It discusses types of cruises, special needs, and how to choose a travel agent.

There are tips about what to do when you first get on board, how to make the most of your time at see, how to avoid any hidden charges. There are safety tips for both the cruise ship and shore excursions.

I don't know that this was really an "experts share their secrets" as touted on the cover of the book. There wasn't anything TOO secret in what I read! Again it was all pretty much common-sense information that you find on just about any cruise website. But it is all nicely gathered together for you, nice easy-to-read type, perfect for sitting back and thumbing through and preparing for your upcoming cruise.

Well recommended for the new cruiser!

Average customer rating:

10 stars for this book
A poetic underwater journey!
A Must Read for Fin Fans!

Secrets of the Ocean Realm
Michele Hall , and Howard Hall
Manufacturer: Atria Books/Beyond Words
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Collections, Catalogues & Exhibitions | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Nature & Wildlife | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Microscopes & Microsocopy | Experiments, Instruments & Measurement | Science | Subjects | Books

Lakes & Ponds | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Natural History | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0786704535

Book Description

A photographic celebration of the spectacular drama of exotic marine creatures' lives and the otherworldly beauty of the deep-sea ecosystems that shelter them.

Written and photographed by Emmy award-winning couple Michele and Howard Hall, Secrets of the Ocean Realm is more than just a collection of stunning photographs: it is a revelation of the sea creatures' complex and mysterious cycles and patterns of behavior. The reader is presented with striking images of all manner of marine life--sharks, opalescent squid, molting lobsters, dolphins, giant whales--engaged in the vital activities of mating, threat displays, hunting and feeding.

Based on a five-part series of public television specials, the remarkable photographs of Secrets of the Ocean Realm are complemented with fascinating and engaging stories that take the reader behind the scenes and reveal the state-of-the-art equipment and techniques used to capture these exquisite scenes of underwater life.

Customer Reviews:

10 stars for this book.......2004-08-16

This is one of the best books I have ever read about the underwater world. Incredibly beautiful underwater photography of high quality. The photos do not only depict animals swimming around but, for example, sarcastic fringehead males in a showy territorial "fight," close up.

I also like the authors' sensible view about animals and diving in the ocean. No show-off accounts of near-shark-escapes but an honest experience, mostly good but sometimes scary, of working under water. The authors recount some extraordinary events, such as a ride on a manta after freeing him from entangling fishing nets, or unexpectedly finding themselves surrounded by a school of fish that is being slaughtered by marlins.

With this book we get a wonderful view into the ocean world but also a fascinating account of what it is like spending many hours a day waiting, scouting, decompressing, refilling tanks and back to waiting so one can capture a never seen one-minute event on film that made it worth all the work.

A poetic underwater journey!.......2000-08-30

Stare at the beautiful underwater photographs. Sitback, relax and gently discover the Ocean Realm with the still images of Howard Hall and his wife Michele, images that, as Peter Benchley (Jaws, The Deep) writes in the foreword, are among the finest in the world. Dive. Wander through the Kelp forests of the northern Pacific. Get a close-up of sharks and squids in magic detail. Enjoy the vivid colors of the reef and watch lobsters and sea turtles, dolphins and whales in an exciting photographic journey! Since this book is not a reference work, you will also enjoy reading it slowly and in the direction of your choice, diving at pleasure through the light text that describes the Hall's adventures as filmmakers and marine photographers. And then you will also find some information about the sea-life captured in the images and poetic hints about scuba-diving and underwater photography. A nice dive, a pleasant reading and, at the price that Amazon.com is offering it, a real gift. Buy the book!

A Must Read for Fin Fans!.......1999-12-04

For those of us who read everything we can on underwater photography, this book provides an added dimension and delightful reprieve from the technical how-to's of most underwater photography books. This book is a series of fascinating stories about the adventures and mis-adventures Howard and Michelle and their staff encountered when shooting different subjects. A fascinating and stimulating book, it provides anecdotal insight into how they approach certain projects without dwelling on the technical "how to's" found in most underwater photography books. Everyone studying underwater photography or just enjoying the sport of diving should surface long enough to give themselves this present. It sure made me want to grab my fins and camera and head off to points all around the world. Thanks to Howard and Michelle for putting together such a compelling read. And of course, it has beautiful photographs.

The Discovery of the Bismarck: Germany's Greatest Battleship Surrenders Her Secrets

Average customer rating:

About the Best of His Books
An outstanding record of a famous ship.
I was expecting more photos of the Bismark
For a Great Ship, a Great Book
Great book of a legendary warship

The Discovery of the Bismarck: Germany's Greatest Battleship Surrenders Her Secrets
Robert D. Ballard , and Rick Archbold
Manufacturer: Warner Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

Naval | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0446513865

Customer Reviews:

About the Best of His Books.......2004-11-19

Featuring a nice synopsis of the Bismarck's short history and some excellent period photos this book really shines in the details of finding the wreck and the assorted problems that crop up during this kind of expedition; everything from financing, storms, provisions, personality conflict, equipment malfunctions, and the seafloor itself. Not to mention piecing together pre-GPS navigation & position logs written from notes hastily scribbled during action.

Also extremely interesting is how convincing opinions can form in the face of limited evidence as when the first expedition discovered not Bismarck but a schooner wreck.

An outstanding record of a famous ship........2004-09-21

Not satisfied with having found the Titanic, this great explorer of Oceans set off in search of what many people believe to be the greatest Battleship ever built - the Bismarck.

Whilst we are treated, once again to excellent illustrations by Ken Marschall of the wreck itself, my own favourite series of images are across pages 218/9 and show the Bismarck sinking, how it turned upside down allowing the big guns to fall away from their mountings, how it then turned right side up as it continued it's voyage - 3 miles down, until it came to rest creating a massive underwater landslide. It is because there are no currents down there that that landslide was found - exactly as it was on the day it was created by this great ship in May 1941.

Having the achieved yet another outstanding feat of finding a famous - but elusive ship so far beneath the ocean's surface, Dr Ballard has, once again put together the most complete account of that search, discovery and final success. He also includes an extremely detailed, accurate and well portrayed account of the life and death of the ship itself. As with the Titanic, all the facts and historic photographs are there and, as I know from researching lesser ships, he really has done the most thorough job of work on all fronts.

From the book's front cover onwards we are, once again, treated to the most "outstanding" collection of artwork created by Ken Marschall. From thousands of photographic images taken far below the surface, Bob Ballard created montage after montage of the various sections and profiles of this great ship so that Mr Marschall was able to provide us with paintings which are as accurate as colour photographs.

Once again (and it will not be for the last time!) I congratulate Dr Ballard on an excellent and professional job of work. Altogether, the most outstanding book for which 5 stars are not enough.

NM

I was expecting more photos of the Bismark.......2004-05-20

I couldnt agree more..great book and great information. But I was expecting more photos of Bismark (at its current state).

For a Great Ship, a Great Book.......2001-09-20

Hello!, I'm an enthusiast of the Kriegsmarine, I was waiting for the book, I've searhcing it for months, and finally it came!!!, as I expected from the Ballard's books, this is an amazing book. I began to be intrested in the Battleship Bismarck since I was 7 years old, and one day of 1989 I hear that: "the man who found Titanic, now has found the Battleship Bismarck". Since then I was looking for the book.
It shows the aspect of the wreck and a lot of information about the ship. It also has a nice paints, which represents the descicive moments of the battle. A book that must be in the library of every one intrested in this subject.

Great book of a legendary warship.......2001-03-11

In 1989, Robert Ballard, Discoverer of the Titanic, located the legendary German warship Bismarck three miles below the Atlantic. This book includes some excellent photos of the the ship as she origanally appeared and of the ship as she appears today. Also includes much info about the sea chase (About half the book as a matter of fact). What's most amazing is that Bismarck took so much damage but yet is shown well preserved in these photos. The only problem is there is no reprint. A second expedition to the wreck would also be nice. Oh Well!

The Titanic Conspiracy: Cover-Ups and Mysteries of the World's Most Famous Sea Disaster

Average customer rating:

DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THIS BOOK
"Olympic" Conspiracy Argument Does Not Hold Water
Kinda Good, Kinda Bad :)
Delivers only in part
Titanic - a second conspiracy book

The Titanic Conspiracy: Cover-Ups and Mysteries of the World's Most Famous Sea Disaster
Robin Gardiner , and Dan Van Der Vat
Manufacturer: Carol Publishing Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Intelligence & Espionage | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Conspiracy Theories | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Olympic & Titanic: The Truth Behind the Conspiracy

ASIN: 1559723475

Customer Reviews:

DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THIS BOOK.......2005-10-21

Based on the title, I first thought this book would be like a tabloid paper, little better than a hardback National Enquirer filled with nonsense. But it turned out to be quite a good read after all. It includes material not found in other Titanic books, and is level headed for the most part. And the story of the sinking is told effectively, conveying the magic of that night. In short, don't underestimate this book.

Of course, though it is far from perfect. The authors are strongly biased, and feel compelled to hit the reader over the head on every page with negative remarks about the shipping line, Americans or anything else they don't like. Space is given to argue the case for Lord and the Californian, but the authors come up with nothing new here, except perhaps to point to the Mount Temple as another possible mystery ship seen from Titanic.

The heaviest criticism directed at this book focuses on the authors contention that the Olympic and Titanic were switched so as to sink the Olympic for insurance reasons. Like most everyone else, I find this to be total nonsense. The arguments put forth for it are laughable. I doubt the authors believe it themselves, probably including it to boost sales. Yet this takes up only a tiny portion of the book. Instead of 'conspiracy', the book would have been better served by the word 'mystery' or mysteries. For we can all agree there were plenty of these surrounding the Titanic.

"Olympic" Conspiracy Argument Does Not Hold Water.......2004-09-08

The title of this book may prompt intrigue or skepticism. For the skeptics, the book is well researched and written in sophisticated, but readable, language. The authors analyze issues (many of which seem rather trivial) fairly thoroughly and are able to distinguish fact from fiction. For those wanting the intrigue of shocking conspiracies, the authors present the idea that the Titanic and Olympic switched places in the first chapters but do not carry on this hypothesis throughout the book. In fact, they do not come back to this point until the latter part of the final (and comparatively short) chapter.

Gardiner and Van Der Vat include a lot of information on White Star Line, Harland and Wolff, and the role of J. P. Morgan (they are highly critical of the financier). They cover the origin of the "Olympic" class including the sea trials of both Olympic and Titanic very well. Chapters in this book also cover the lowering of lifeboats during Titanic's final hours, the role of the Carpathia, Californian (the authors sympathize more with the vilified Capt. Lord than do many other Titanic historians), Mount Temple, and other possible "mystery ships" at the scene, the behavior of the press when the survivors arrived at New York, and the American and British inquiries.

As an overview of the disaster and the hearings, the book is valuable. Where the authors fall short is on the bombshell they introduce at the beginning of their book. The idea is that the Olympic was put in place of the Titanic because the former was built with inferior steel and was in several accidents that cost the White Star Line a lot of money. The Olympic was getting a propeller blade repaired at the same time and place the Titanic was being prepared for her maiden voyage. The authors introduce the idea that the two ships switched identities and the troubled Olympic sailed in her sister's place. Her sinking was planned to be written off White Star's insurance (if they planned on sinking her, they certainly were not very organized in doing so). They back up this theory with the following weak reasons: (1) It was very easy the switch the identities of the ships because they were practically identical, (2) there were 55 last-minute cancellations, including that of J. P. Morgan who claimed to be sick but was seen with his French mistress the day after the sinking to be quite healthy, (3) Chief officer Wilde wrote his sister that he "STILL" did not like the ship but, since it was the Titanic's maiden voyage, why would he write the word "still," (4) only one of the Olympic vets below deck signed on with the Titanic as if they knew a dark secret.

The authors criticize the "nit-picking, repetitious" Senator William Alden Smith who conducted the American inquiry, but they are at times just as guilty. They keep going back to a fire that was allowed to burn in Titanic's sixth bunker only, on the last page, to admit the weakened bunker did not cause the ship to sink. The authors harp on the fact that there were several last minute crew changes at the top including Wilde joining the ship from the Olympic. Capt. Smith (of whom the authors are extremely critical) apparently wanted some of his Olympic crew with him. They never seem to go anywhere with this point. They also pick apart details not related to any conspiracies: the fact that Jack Phillips sent the message "Engine room full up to the boilers," which apparently is technologically inaccurate (well, he was under some stress at the time). They also seem strangely intrigued by J. J. Astor's body being found near a lifeboat when he never got into one (maybe it just floated there). As to the great conspiracy theory, they never get back to it until the very end of the book. Then they remark that people need conspiracies when disasters occur (i.e. the JFK assassination) as if they are backing off from the conspiracy bomb they themselves set. An intriguing photograph of "401" on the starboard propeller of Titanic as she rests in the Atlantic also proves to be a dud: "401" was the hull number NOT of the Olympic as one would suspect but of the Titanic (surprise) ; however, according to the authors, parts were borrowed from Titanic and used on the Olympic, so that number does not prove anything (indeed). Slapping "Conspiracy" and "Cover-Ups" on the cover of a book probably improved its sales, but it is really false advertising. The book is valuable for background information and for an overview of the many controversies surrounding the Titanic but, when it comes to the Great Conspiracy, it will disappoint.

Kinda Good, Kinda Bad :).......2001-10-18

Well, I Give This Book 4 Stars Because First Of All I Found It Very Intresting. I Especially Liked The Chapter About The Mystery Ship. But There Are Some Downsides, As Most Information In This Book I Already Knew From My Own Research. But Overall, It Was A Good Book. :)

Delivers only in part.......2000-03-08

Having read over two dozen articles and books on the Titanic, it was with great interest that I picked up Mr. Gardiner's and Mr Van Der Vat's The Titanic Conspiracy, as it brimmed with promisses of new information and new theories. On both counts I was somewhat disappointed. The binoculars and coal fire I had previously read about (though not in such great detail,) probably in Walter Lord's A Night to Remember, printed almost half a century earlier. The theory of the Olympic/Titanic switch I had heard of, but had never seen explored. Dr. Robert Ballard suggests that the position radioed by the sinking ship may have been incorrect, in his The Discovery of the Titanic; Exploring the Greatest of All Lost Ships, published shortly after his 1986 exploration of the wreck. The scandal of not enough lifeboats was covered quite well in Mr. Lord's 1987 (1988?) The Night Lives On.

This is not to say, though, Mr Gardiner and Mr. Van Der Vat fail to provide any fresh data, theory, or insight. They certainly are, to my uncertain knowledge, the first to assemble so many mysteries and inconsistancies of the disaster in one volume, but, and this is my primary quibble, they make grander proposals than their citations of fact can support They assume, it appears, that the reader will take them at their word rather that wish to see the evidence and decide for themselves. In a book that claims to be an expose', this is at once insulting to the reader and a little suspect.

Overall, I can only recomend the book as a collection of theories that are many times best researched elsewhere, or at least in titles in addition to this one.

Titanic - a second conspiracy book.......1999-07-30

Titanic - The ship that never sank Robin Gardiner This is the second book on the topic of the alleged switching of the Titanic and the Olympic before the 1912 disaster. In his first book, the Riddle of the Titanic, Robin Gardiner collaborated with Dan Van Der Vat to describe their theory that the Olympic was switched with the Titanic because the Olympic was so badly damaged in a collision with a cruiser at Southampton. They develop the theory that the Olympic was very severely damaged by the ram on the bow of the warship. The story is at least credible and evidence or rather inconsistencies are highlighted which make the thesis far beyond conspiracy theorist's lunacy. Photos illustrate minute detail on the bow plates of the "Titanic" which are characteristic of the Olympic. The two ships were sisters but not identical. An extra life boat was accounted for at the scene which suggests the presence of another ship. The bizarre behaviour of the captain of the Californian is explained in that he was there as a rescue ship but told to expect precise coloured rocket signals. The provision of coal for the Leyland Line's cargo steamer Californian is slightly strange when crack liners were moored two abreast at Southampton because of a coal strike. Both Leyland Line and Cunard were owned by IMM. Some of the survivor stories are challenged as inconsistent and the crew were held away from the press until they had been spoken to by the company and British authorities. Robin Gardiner says that the Olympic was scuttled because she was beyond repair and before she set out she was relabelled as the Titanic in order to collect better insurance. Read the evidence and believe what you will. Published 1998 Ian Allan , Birmingham, ISBN 0 7110 2633 5 £16.99

Average customer rating:

Secrets of the Deep (DK Revealed)
Dougal Dixon , and Mike Benton
Manufacturer: DK CHILDREN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Lift the acetate window and change the scene before you. The secrets of the darkest depths of the ocean are revealed as never before in this unique guide to marine life.

Secrets of the Sea (Pop-Up Books (Book Company)) (Pop-Up Books (Book Company))

Average customer rating:

Secrets of the Sea (Pop-Up Books)

Secrets of the Sea (Pop-Up Books (Book Company)) (Pop-Up Books (Book Company))
Christian Riese Lassen
Manufacturer: Book Company Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Pop Culture | Note Cards | Book Accessories | Our Favorites | Gift Ideas
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1740470672

Book Description

See Christian Riese Lassens lovely illustrations in three dimensions!This pop-up book takes you into the world beneath the ocean waves, where dolphins play and sharks lurk!

Customer Reviews:

Secrets of the Sea (Pop-Up Books).......2007-01-04

This is an incredible pop-up book. Very detailed. My grandson loves it.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books