FROM MT. LABANON TO THE SEA OF DARKNESS
by John G. Moses
***
Published by John G. Moses
ISBN:
Binding: Softback
Pages: 113
Price: $12.99 US
I can only say that I was very disappointed with this book. I had expected the history of the Lebanese passengers aboard the Titanic, I wanted to learn something about the individuals. I found very little new information in this book.
There are several factual errors, for instance the author states that Britannic was well known as an emigrant ship. This is not the case as Britannic never saw passenger service. She was sunk in the Aegean on Hospital Ship service duty during WW1
Those interested in the Titanic are accused of thinking that only English and American's were on board, I do not know of anyone who has held such an opinion.
41 of the books 113 pages are devoted to a history of Lebanon from 2000BC to 1912. This is far too large a proportion and not what I bought the book for. It did not set the scene for the 174 Lebanese passengers embarking on the ship. After this there are a few well known statements about the voyage, and then 2 or 3 reprinted newspaper interviews with Lebanese survivors.
The most interesting sections are the 10 or so lines on each Lebanese survivor of the disaster, this takes up a mere 4 pages, and could have been made much more interesting and lengthy. The other worthwhile sections are the appendices, especially the listing of Lebanese travellers and their details, including how much money some of them had.
The appendices rescue this book, otherwise I would not have been able to recommend it. A much better piece of work could have been developed, had the research been put in, but it is distinctly lacking throughout. Signed copies of the book are available from Michael Tennaro's shop for $12.99US+p&p. e-mail Bookcorner
