New Release

Olympic and Titanic

Triumph and Disaster

Author:	Mark Chirnside
Published:	2026
Format:	Hardback, 416 pages
Size:	297 × 210 × 27 mm

£50⁰⁰

Tax included

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History of Olympic and Titanic

Detailed account of the Olympic class ships from design through construction to Olympic's maiden season and Titanic's disaster, based on extensive primary-source research.

'This intriguing book delves into the history of these two Olympic class ships. It matches the origins of their ancient Greek namesakes … the Titans & Olympian Gods.' – Steve Hall, Titanic historian and co-author of RMS Titanic in 50 Objects

It is impossible to understand Titanic without appreciating the broader context: the development of the White Star Line and its competitors in the preceding decades; Anglo-German competition; the British fear of the 'American peril' as foreign capital increasingly controlled British shipping companies; and the relentless advance in shipbuilding and technology.

This definitive volume explores the lead-up to the construction of Olympic and Titanic, providing a step-by-step account of the design process and a look at the financial, logistical and political obstacles the White Star Line had to tackle; the ups and downs of Olympic's maiden season; and Titanic's disastrous end.

Relying on extensive primary-source research and presenting much unpublished data, Olympic & Titanic: Triumph and Disaster is not only a valuable reference tool, but provides an essential insight into this period of maritime history.

About the Author

Mark Chirnside is a well-known maritime author. He has previously written RMS Aquitania: The Ship Beautiful, Olympic, Titanic and Britannic: The Olympic Class Ships, RMS Olympic: Titanic's Sister, The 'Big Four' of the White Star Fleet, and Oceanic: White Star's Ship of the Century for The History Press.

Praise for Olympic and Titanic

'Very detailed and interesting [with] a lot of 'new' information … This intriguing book delves into the history of these two Olympic class ships. It matches the origins of their ancient Greek namesakes … the Titans & Olympian Gods.'
– Steve Hall, Titanic historian and co-author of many books including RMS Titanic in 50 Objects, Titanic The Ship Magnificent, Titanic In Photographs

'Olympic & Titanic: Triumph and Disaster is a welcome addition to Chirnside's portfolio of literary works. His ability to find more and more hidden treasures in the British archives make anything he writes a must read whether an Ocean Liner historian or mere passive enthusiast. Triumph and Disaster will earn its place on the bookshelf.'
– Bruce Beveridge, Titanic historian and lead author of Titanic: The Ship Magnificent