In 1898, a struggling author wrote this novel about a fabulous Atlantic liner, far larger than any that had ever been built, that sinks after it collides with an iceberg. The details of the book bear a chilling resemblance to the Titanic disaster fourteen years later.
Moran Robertson’s tale, however, doesn’t end with the passengers’ watery demise; rather, it chronicles the survival of John Roland, a disgraced former Royal Navy lieutenant, who saves the young daughter of a former lover from the sinking ship, and the detective work instigated by members of Lloyd’s of London when word comes in that the heavily insured ship has sunk to the bottom of the ocean.
Robertson draws upon his own experience as a seaman on the Atlantic to weave a narrative interspersed with colloquial dialogue, bringing to life the conflicts between rich merchants and the men who sail the ships upon which they rely.
Also included here is Morgan Robertson the Man, Robertson’s autobiography and several essays about his life and work written by his friends, colleagues, and admirers.
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"Not what I expected, but a great story. Full review coming soon.."Futility, or The Wreck of the Titan" by Morgan Robertson was not at all what I expected it to be. I had seen references to the story many times in other books about the RMS Titanic. It is speculated that "Futility" acts as a sort of prophecy that predicted the sinking of the Titanic. It was written a few years prior, and the fictional ship the Titan and the real Titanic have many similarities. One being that both ships were branded 'unsinkable'. Both ships were also not carrying enough lifeboats to accommodate all passengers on-board. Both ships hit an iceberg as well, which caused their fatal sinking. I expected "Futility" to be all about the events of the sinking of the Titan. What the tale is mainly about is the personal endeavors of John Rowland, a crew member aboard the Titan. When disaster strikes and the ship hits the iceberg, it sinks within minutes and Rowland is one of the only lucky few to survive. He rescues a child in the process, and they stay on top of the iceberg until help arrives. During his stay on the iceberg, Rowland loses his arm. The rest of the story is about the legal issues of the sinking, and Rowland's connection to the child he rescued... who turns out to be the daughter of his past lover. An interesting read, but don't really think of it as prophecy... consider it as it's own tale."
— Sam (4 out of 5 stars)
“Davidson’s vocalizations effectively deliver the irony surrounding this mythical voyage. Each characterization complements the individual represented. This novella evokes inexplicable intrigue.”
— AudioFile" It's been a long time since I first read this book. It's not just about the Titan, but there are three other stories as well. I preferred "Pirates". But back to the Titan. I find it truely amazing that 14 years BEFORE the sinking of the Titanic, Morgan Robertson wrote this. Could he see into the future? Who knows. But there's no disputing there are uncanny similarities between the Titanic and the Titan. For a book written in 1898, the style of writing was actually quite easy to follow and I knew exactly what the author was describing. It's quite a modern style if truth be told. "
— Marie, 1/30/2014" This was a digital copy of the book and was a mess of typos and run togethers. The book itself was touted as a prediction of the Titanic sinking, and yes, the boat is sunk by an iceberg, but that is just a small part of the story. It is mainly a love story gone wrong. Not really all that impressive. "
— Betty, 1/13/2014" This was a book of short stories. Yes, "The Wreck of the Titan" did foretell the sinking of the Titanic in a minor way. The rest of the stories will also keep one interested. "
— Robert, 12/6/2013" I discovered this book while reading another--and just had to follow up on it. Pretty interesting. Although this is actually a book of novelettes, I only read the first. "
— Kristine, 12/1/2013" The first few chapters were about the Titan. The rest of the book was a totally different story. Kind of disappointing considering the title. "
— Ellen, 12/1/2013" The parallels to the Titanic are uncanny, especially since it was written 16 years before the fated maiden voyage. The rest of the story was pretty uninteresting. "
— Jenna, 10/21/2013" Play eerie suspenseful music while reading this story about the sinking of the Titan (no ic) that was creepily much like what actually happened a decade later. "
— Nadine, 10/9/2013" I'm glad I read it -- But it was so weird!! Titanic prophecies, fighting polar bears on icebergs, kidnapping... "
— Caryn, 10/5/2013" The Wreck of the Titan was eerily prophetic to the Titanic even though the book was written almost 20 years before the Titanic ever set float. "
— Rena, 9/13/2013" Amazing parallels between this story and the Titanic disaster. "
— J., 1/20/2013" it was a good book but not what i expected. "
— Donna, 7/1/2012" This is a short read, the majority of the book is a different story. It is interesting in that it sort of foreshadows the titanic wreck. There are of course differences, but enough similarities to make it seem a little prophetic. "
— Mariah, 1/18/2012" It was very interesting reading a book that so closely parallels what happened to the Titanic. I've studied the Titanic and I was really amazed. "
— Robert, 12/22/2011" Very interesting since the story was written 14 years prior to the Titanic being built!!!! "
— Gail, 12/6/2011" A truely intriguing book, one that I'm so amazed that more people haven't heard of... "
— Edwin, 7/3/2011" She was the largest craft afloat, a floating city, the Titan was considered practically unsinkabe, an iceberg - the only thing afloat that she could not conquer. "
— Crys, 5/30/2011" Got it because of the story accompanying the actual book. As a Titanic afficionado, I had no idea. Quite a good story, with some very interesting elements. Smooth reading as well. "
— Hana, 3/14/2011" The first few chapters were about the Titan. The rest of the book was a totally different story. Kind of disappointing considering the title. "
— Ellen, 1/15/2011" She was the largest craft afloat, a floating city, the Titan was considered practically unsinkabe, an iceberg - the only thing afloat that she could not conquer. "
— Crys, 11/12/2010" I discovered this book while reading another--and just had to follow up on it. Pretty interesting. Although this is actually a book of novelettes, I only read the first. "
— Kristine, 7/31/2009" This is a short read, the majority of the book is a different story. It is interesting in that it sort of foreshadows the titanic wreck. There are of course differences, but enough similarities to make it seem a little prophetic. <br/> "
— Mariah, 6/24/2008Morgan Robertson (1861–1915) was an American short-story writer and novelist. The son of a ship’s captain, he spent several years at sea and then trained in jewelry making. He began writing sea stories when, after ten years as a diamond setter, his eyesight began to fail. Written in 1898, The Wreck of the Titan came to be seen as prophetic after the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. He is known as one of America’s best authors on the subject of the sea.
Frederick Davidson (1932–2005), also known as David Case, was one of the most prolific readers in the audiobook industry, recording more than eight hundred audiobooks in his lifetime, including over two hundred for Blackstone Audio. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed for many years in radio plays for the British Broadcasting Company before coming to America in 1976. He received AudioFile’s Golden Voice Award and numerous Earphones Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for his readings.