Below you will find some feedback and reviews on this new book. See what others are saying before you buy -- and if you would like to see your comments posted, please drop me a line.

Feedback From A Survivor's Family

Recently, Mike Poirier (co-author of the Introduction) received a note from John Galbraith regarding Lusitania: An Illustrated Biography. Mr. Galbraith is the grandson of Dr. George Ryerson (who had taken passage on the Lusitania in April of 1915 on Crossing No. 200, and whose experiences aboard are discussed on pgs. 163, 164) and his wife, Mary Amelia. Mrs. Ryerson and her daughter Laura Mary Ryerson -- Mr. Galbraith's mother -- were First Class passenges on the fateful voyage. Mrs. Ryerson perished in the disaster.

Mr. Galbraith wrote the following to Mr. Poirier:*

"My mother had little to say about the sinking of the Lusitania. There is no doubt that the occasion must have left her terribly scarred throughout her life.

"It has taken me five weeks to read every word ... written in this detailed expose. I have read several books on this subject, but none of them had the information which [Kent] has provided.

"I was interested in the thoroughly explained causes of the war. It gave me a new and better understanding of this subject. The photographs added a great deal to the whole story. The front cover picture was a brilliant way in which to introduce the book to the readers. From there Kent explained the building and construction of the Lusitania in so much detail that I felt as if I were there with the designers, the eventual launching and the day to day operation of the ship. The turmoil among the passengers and crew after the ship was struck, was written as if I were there watching it all happen...

"Thank you and Kent for including my family in the text. The book will become part of their obituaries."

When Mr. Galbraith contacted me directly, he added: "I have read several books on this subject, but yours is the most detailed and interesting of all of them. Well done."

My kindest thanks to Mr. Galbraith for his kind words on this project, and for his permission to post his comments here for all to read and enjoy.

A Review by Maritime Researcher and Author Mark Chirnside:

"J. Kent Layton's latest work, Lusitania: An Illustrated Biography of the Ship of Splendour, follows his Atlantic Liners in terms of its eminently readable, attractive writing style.

"The format is very desirable, as it is available in hardback and the quality of the production is good.

"At almost three hundred pages in length, the book cannot be accused of being too short. Yet it is so interesting and well-written that I still found myself wanting more. Complete with deck plans, and a thorough (yet understandable) technical description of the ship's design, there is plenty of material for the 'rivet counter,' and with new material and interesting survivor accounts the human side of her story is far from neglected.

"Appendices include a list of crossings throughout her entire career; a list of captains; a first class passenger list for the maiden voyage; and an 'annual service log' giving statistics of the ship's years in service. The extensive acknowledgements and source notes show that the author's creation is a scholarly, well-informed and accurate product.

"All in all, it's a 'must have' for anybody interested in Lusitania's conception, construction, her life and premature end."

The layout of the book is fantastic. Very easy to navigate through. I was very impressed with the contents. The level of detail put into the narrative is excellant, from those early days of the liners conception right through to how she dominated the seas with her luxury and power. I don't think Kent has left one stone untured for his quest for information with much in the way of new material, most of which has been long forgotten and unpublished - until now. The selection of images are a marvel with many rare and seldom seen photographs, making the book a one-of-a-kind. Kent has done a wonderfull job off bringing us this spledid ship, loved by thousands, and forgotten by many. -- J.S., UK.

"I am writing to thank you for the book which arrived a week ago… I have gone through the book and found it an exceptionally good work and you are to be commended upon your efforts.

"I will enjoy reading it as I have time but from what I have seen and the parts I have read already, I am more than satisfied as to the time and effort you put into this… Once again, I thank you for your masterful work…" -- D.R., U.S.

Very good book...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -- G.W., U.S.

GREAT BOOK- BUY ONE OR MISS OUT! -- S.W., UK.

Further reviews at Amazon.co.uk can be read here. Remember that if you leave feedback at one Amazon site (for example, Amazon.co.uk), it does not necessarily show up at the other sites (Amazon.com, Amazon.fr, Amazon.ca, etc.).

* The comments have been edited for length, and spelling has been repaired.