'Eastland': Legacy of the 'Titanic'
Irony and tragedy combine in this account of America's worst marine disaster. The Eastland was a Great Lakes excursion vessel that capsized while moored on the Chicago River, killing more than 800 people. The subtitle of this book is particularly telling, since following the loss of the Titanic a nationwide "boats for all" movement occurred. In anticipation of legislation mandating such changes, the Eastland added lifeboats. The additional weight contributed to the vessel's top-heaviness, causing the disaster. Hilton (American Narrow Gauge Railroads, LJ 2/1/91) constructs a careful account of the events leading up to the calamity. The disaster itself is recounted minute by minute, based on the court transcripts following the accident. The fate of the vessel after it was raised and recommissioned as a Coast Guard training vessel is also recounted. The numerous illustrations and period photographs as well as numerous appendixes make this a definitive account. The style is also accessible for nonnautical readers. Recommended for general collections.Daniel Liestman, Seattle Pacific Univ. Lib.Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.