The Titanic has been called "an exquisite microcosm of the Edwardian era," but that unique facet of her story has never been explored. Now historian Hugh Brewster seamlessly interweaves personal narratives of the lost liner's most fascinating people with a haunting account of her fateful maiden crossing. Gilded Lives, Fatal Voyage takes us behind the paneled doors of the ship's elegant, private suites to evoke a world both distant from and near to our own.

Includes bibliographical references.

A rare gathering At the Cherbourg quay A nomadic hiatus The Palm Room "Queer lot of people" Queenstown Fellow travelers Private lives Shipboard coteries Designing woman

A calm Sunday The last evening Collision and after To the lifeboats The final minutes Voices in the night The ship of sorrow Two continents stirred Postscript: Titanic after-lives.