The Lusitania Controversies: Book One: Atrocity of War and a Wreck-Diving History

THE LUSITANIA CONTROVERSIES Book Atrocity of War and a Wreck-Diving History hardcover with color dust jacket 6 x 9 vertical, 312 pages, 47 color photos, 34 black & white photos This is actually three fascinating stories in the sinking of the Lusitania, an in-depth history of deep wreck-diving, and an autobiography of technical diving’s most influential personality. The Lusitania is one of the most notorious shipwrecks in seafaring history, not only because of the circumstances of her sinking – the result of a German torpedo – or because of the enormous loss of life that resulted, but because the wreck has come to symbolize what is achievable in the realm of underwater exploration. Book One begins with the construction of the largest liner afloat at the time of her launching, in 1907. It goes on to cover the ship’s career and loss, analyzes the controversial aftermath, explodes the myth of conspiracy, examines the impact that the torpedoing made on history, and recounts the early attempts to salvage and dive the twisted, rusted remains – before the advent of wreck-diving as a specialized activity. The book then takes the reader on a breathtaking sweep through the early days of when basic scuba certifications did not exist, when numerous wrecks lay waiting to be discovered, when decompression was a little understood concept, when pony bottles and decompression reels were invented, when original wreck-diving techniques were developed and particular skills were honed. Experience the challenges presented by such deep-ocean wrecks as the Andrea Doria. Background material of the author is also provided from 1970 as he became fascinated with the exploration of sunken ships. The wreck-diving viewpoint is seen through his eyes as he went on to become the quintessential wreck-diver and one of its leading promoter. This fact-paced story will keep you on the edge of your seat. Book One pauses in 1979.