How History Unfolds on Paper: Important Americana from the Eric C. Caren Collection, Part X

Shipping Casualties (Loss of the Steamship "Titanic"). Report of a Formal Investigation into the circumstances attending the foundering on 15th April, 1912...
London: Published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, Printed by Jas. Truscott and Son, 1912. Tall 4to. (ii), 73, (1) pp. Illustrated with an in-text engraved diagram of the Titanic. Full tan buckram, red morocco spine label, stamped in gilt (chipped), library label at foot of spine, boards soiled; all edges trimmed; original blue wrappers bound in, front wrapper loose and chipped along edges, same with "Association of the Bar Library City of New York" ink stamp at top; library ink stamps at top of title-page; leaves with vertical center crease from when sometime folded.

Following the sinking of the RMS Titanic on 15 April 1912 a formal inquiry into the disaster was convened by Lord Mersey. Hearings were held over two months at the London Scottish Drill Hall which saw over 100 witnesses questioned. Unlike the American inquiry, no blame was placed on the White Star Line or Captain Edward J. Smith for the disaster.

The final report, issued in July 1912, provides a highly detailed account of the entire event, including notes on the Titanic's composition, its crew, the ship's journey, as well as reports on its speed, the weather, iceberg warnings, and a description of its collision ("The injuries to the ship...were of such a kind that she foundered in two hours and forty minutes"). The report further describes damages to the ship, its sinking, an account of the rescue operations, the number of those saved, and the number of casualties. The final section lists recommendations from the Commission, regarding water-tight compartments, lifeboats and rafts, etc.

Bound with:

Report of the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee Respecting the Statutory Regulations as to Boats and Life-Saving Appliances and Other Means of Ensuring Safety of Life at Sea...
London: Published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, Printed by Darling and Son, Ltd., 1912. (ii), 175 pp. Illustrated with two maps (one folding). Original blue wrappers bound in; same library ink stamp on front wrapper and title-page; scattered short closed tears.

Landmark report issued by the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee on behalf of the Board of Trade following the sinking of the Titanic, being their detailed investigation into English ship safety regulations and sea casualties, and their recommendations for changes. Five further safety reports include those issued by a sub-committee on the construction of lifeboats, on wireless telegraphy, Atlantic steamship routes, life saving appliances on passenger ships, and a statistical report on life saving devices on ships prior to 1910.