Date first published	1976
ISBN Number	0 7221 2744 8
Page Count	319 p/b
h/b= hardback : p/b= paperback

The tragedy of the Titanic is perhaps the most famous disaster of all time. The story is such a fascinating one there are additional pages linked to the great ship, some interesting links, and reviews of other books. I hope you enjoy these pages.

Storyline

The President of the United States has set up a secret scientific research group. The Group has developed a highly advanced defence system that would render nuclear weapons obsolete. However a rare mineral, byzanium is needed to complete the project. The Hunt is on when it is discovered that the mineral is on a small island within Russian territory.

The main story starts with Dirk Pitt rescuing a mineralogist from his Russian captors and spiriting the man onto a NUMA vessel, and away from danger. The project looks to be endangered when it is found that the mineral was mined from the island in 1912 and taken to England. It was to be transported to the USA on board a White Star Liner on her maiden voyage - Titanic. The rest of the adventure centres around the battle to raise the worlds most famous liner. However at the very end defeat seems to have been snatched from the jaws of victory.

Review

It should be remembered that this story was written some 10 years before Dr Robert Ballard actually discovered Titanic and found her far from the perfect description described by Cussler. Though it's interesting to note that the exploration techniques are very similar to those described in the novel.

This novel is definitely a cut above his two earlier efforts. plot lines are more complex and there are a good few twists and turns, before the story resolves itself. The characterization in this novel is also particularly strong, and it is quite sad to follow Gene Seagram gradual sink into the abyss of insanity.

It is obvious that Cussler is becoming more at easy with his writing. The story is fast paced, with some fairly violent action, and a little bit of sex to spice things up.

The novel is also interesting in that it has effectively two short stories to set the scene, although it is not made clear what the connection is until midway through the main book.

With its impeccable subject, characterization way above his earlier novels, strong plot lines, this is one of Cusslers tour de forces.

An excellent novel, go and buy it.

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