Unexpected family fallout from the Titanic disaster
Titanic Legacy, by Dan E. Parkes
Dan Parkes, a filmmaker known for his 40 years of award-winning work on the Titanic, brings a different story to life in his first book, which explores the legacy of the disaster for the family of Captain Edward Smith – a member of the Nautilus predecessor union MMSA.
The book begins with background about the master himself (including anecdotes that are likely to be new to readers) and a familiar exploration of the sinking, However, the second part is of most interest, as it covers a neglected part of the story.
It focuses on Helen Melville 'Mel' Smith, the captain's daughter, whose accounts of her father were used in the book and film A Night to Remember, which in large part contributed to the Titanic mythos. Despite – or perhaps because of – a life marred by family tragedy, she became an adventuress at the heart of a Bohemian set of spies, the super-rich, artists and politicians.
Mel's first husband was Sydney Russell-Cooke, an MI5 agent and the gay lover of economist John Maynard Keynes who was found shot through the stomach with a hunting rifle at his upmarket London apartment. Russell-Cooke's mysterious death adds a touch of Agatha Christie to a biography that brings the story of Captain Smith to a satisfying conclusion.
This book is the Nautilus Book of the Month for June 2025, and will be sold at a discount in the Nautilus Bookshop throughout the month
Titanic Legacy: The Captain, the Daughter and the Spy
By Dan E. Parkes
Amberley Publishing, £25
ISBN: 978 13981 24356
Buy this book in the Nautilus Bookshop
While you're there, why not browse the rest of the titles in our unique maritime bookshop, which sells all the books reviewed on these pages.
Buy nowMore Books
Scottish city's maritime heart
Glasgow Harbour By Graeme Smith and Mike McCreeryFew places are as closely tied to maritime heritage as Glasgow. In this richly illustrated guide, Graeme Smith and Mike McCreery trace the history of the city's Clydeside harbour from its beginnings in the 17th century to its present-day redevelopment.
Standing the test of tide
Piers of England and Wales By Steve EdmundsIn this richly illustrated guide, Steve Edmunds takes readers on a tour of the iconic structures that blend land and sea – home to all manner of amusements and amenities.
Maritime mystery tour
Irish Sea Lime Trade, by David JohnsonIn his attractively-presented book, David Johnson takes us on a tour of historical sites in the Irish Sea lime trade, from South Pembrokeshire up to the Solway Firth, and across to the Isle of Man and Ireland.
From seafarer to force of nature
Gale Force 10, by Nicholas CourtneyFrances Beaufort was born in Ireland to a family of Huguenot descent, and first went to sea in 1789 onboard the ill-fated British East India Company vessel Vansittart. In a fascinating career, he is best known for creating the Beaufort Wind Scale.