The Wreck of the William Brown: A True Tale of Overcrowded Lifeboats and Murder at Sea

Koch,Tom

ISBN 10: 0071456317 / ISBN 13: 9780071456319

Published by International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press, 2005

About this Item

Book is in good condition and may include underlining highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys, dvds, etc. . We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service.

Seller Inventory # ZEV.0071456317.G

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Wreck of the William Brown: A True Tale of Overcrowded Lifeboats and Murder at Sea
• Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press
• Publication Date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0071456317
• ISBN 13: 9780071456319
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: good

About this title

Synopsis

A maritime disaster that shocked the world.

Seventy-one years before the loss of the Titanic, another ship sank in almost the same spot after striking an iceberg at maximum speed. Three-quarters of the passengers—poor, mostly Irish emigrants—were lost, including at least fourteen who were thrown from a lifeboat to lighten it. Not a single sailor died.

When the tragedy of the William Brown threatened to expose the dangers of the profitable emigrant passenger trade, a collection of politicians, lawyers, and reporters on both sides of the Atlantic conspired to indict the only seaman who was a hero of the disaster. The trial gave rise to the concept of "lifeboat ethics": how to decide who gets saved when resources are limited.

"A fascinating read."—Chesapeake Bay Magazine

"A gripping tale of the sea. . . . You should make a place for this one on your bookshelf, nautical or otherwise."—Burgee

"More than a horrifying tale . . . also a penetrating examination of the causes."—Denis Wood, author, The Power of Maps

"Tom Koch's re-creation of a notorious 19th-century case of shipwreck and murder on the high seas makes absorbing reading."—Michael Phillips, maritime historian, Plymouth (England) Naval Base Museum

"Gripping tale of a 19th-century shipwreck that should have been, but wasn't, a catalyst for major shipping reform."—Quill & Quire

About the Author

Tom Koch has worked or written for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, National Public Radio, United Press International, Newsday, and the Toronto Globe & Mail.