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1. The Book
Editions:
Hardcover first edition release date (UK): 15 February 2025
Hardcover first edition release date (USA): 8 April 2025
Hardcover second edition release date (UK): June 2025
Books purchased direct from the author include:
+ Hardback book with dustjacket.
+ 416 pages.
+ 130 photographs and images, many never before published.
+ Thoroughly researched with 1000 end note references.
+ Foreword by Titanic author Gary Cooper.
+ Edited and printed by Amberley Publishing who also released the legendary reference work On a Sea of Glass: The Life & Loss of the RMS Titanic.
+ Individually numbered, limited edition direct from the author.
+ Individually signed by the author.
+ Includes a unique, custom-made colour bookmark.
+ Personalised inscription can be requested at the time of purchase.
+ Dispatched by Royal Mail (tracked in the UK).
Postage and handling costs (via Royal Mail):
UK [Tracked]: £6
Europe [Tracked]: £13
Canada & USA [Tracked]: £20
Australia & New Zealand [Tracked]: £22
All orders will be supplied with a tracking number and notified when dispatched.
Secure payment via Stripe (includes credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay
Google Pay and Klama):
Note: If Stripe is listing the book as "sold out" and you are interested in a copy, please contact me to register interest for when the book is back in stock.
On 3 July 1930, a maid discovered the dead body of her employer on the floor of the sitting room in an upmarket apartment in Temple, London. The victim was 37-year-old Sidney Russell Cooke, mysteriously shot through the stomach by a hunting rifle. He was the husband of Titanic Captain Edward Smith’s only daughter, Helen, known to friends as ‘Mel’. Unknown to many, he was also an MI5 spy, described as a ‘prototype James Bond’ - and the esteemed Cambridge economist John Maynard Keynes’ lover.
Never before published private letters and family photographs tell the true, untold story of a legendary captain, the mysterious death of a British spy and an inspirational daughter who stepped out of the shadow of misfortune to carve her own path. By the time Mel was 49 she had lost her father, mother, husband, son, and daughter, all in unusual circumstances. Yet she would become a pilot, a driver of fast cars, an artist’s muse and collector of fine art, living within a coterie of suffragettes, politicians, Russian spies, yachtsmen, gay lovers and the fabulously wealthy.
Sample pages 48 and 49.
Includes reprints of documents from the author's private collection, such as this rare and original April 1912 French newspaper featuring Captain Smith.
"Intensive, extensive research, significant use of often obscure archival records, and finding or collating many ‘new’ photographs are the ingredients of this illuminating volume. Superbly written...
highly recommended."
- Charles A. Haas, co-author, Titanic: Triumph and Tragedy and President, Titanic International Society
"Dan Parkes has a clear-eyed, meticulous approach to sifting through the evidence and weaving together the story of father and daughter…Combined with new and previously unpublished research, the result is a work that stands out in a crowded field of Titanic titles
with refreshing clarity."
- Inger Sheil, Titanic historian and author of Titanic Valour: The Life of Fifth Officer Harold Lowe
"The book is a must-read for Titanic enthusiasts... an adventure from start to finish. It is fascinating and I could not put it down."
- Tim Maltin, Titanic author, historian and presenter
"If you add to his engrossing biographical research the wealth of images that Dan has collected together – many of them not previously published – then you have a family album for this Smith family history
that is very impressive."
-Gary Cooper, author of Titanic Captain: The Life of Edward John Smith
"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."
- Nautilus Telegraph, April 2025
"Bombshell new Titanic book uncovers thilling true story of Captain's final moments that weren't in the movie... it changes everything."
― Daily Mail Online, 19th April 2025
"A must-read for those fascinated by the Titanic, espionage, or unconventional lives."
- Sea Breezes Magazine, April 2025
"This is a fascinating story and I would recommend
this book to our readers."
-- Shipping Today & Yesterday Magazine, June 2025
"Dan E. Parkes’ meticulous research and engaging writing made it a real page-turner...this is a remarkable and well-researched biography that brings Captain Smith—and his family—fully to life. Highly recommended!"
-Lauren, 5-star Amazon Review, 16 May 2025
"Great attention to detail and storytelling... Meticulous research means that when reading you can sure that you are not only in the story - but in history as well. Highly recommended for all Titanic fans."
- Mr N, 5-star Amazon Review, 15 March 2025
"For those who are enthralled by the human side of Titanic’s story, this book is a must-read. Parkes should be commended for bringing an untold story into publication, and for doing so with care, talent, and compassion."
- Brandon Whited, 5-star Amazon Review, 3 May 2025
"I had my doubts when ordering this book thinking there might not be enough Titanic information in the book. But there’s plenty. Very well written and I’m enjoying it thoroughly."
- exec producer, 5-star Amazon Review, 15 May 2025
Book of the Month, May 2025, Titanic Book Club:
Book of the Month, June 2025, Nautilus Telegraph, May - June 2025:
Click on the links below for online newspaper articles on the book:
Click on the links below for scans of the hardcopy newspaper articles on the book:
Sunday Express 2nd of March 2025. (Click image to enlarge)
The Argus 3rd of March 2025. (Click image to enlarge)
The Daily Mail 19th of April 2025. (Click image to enlarge)
New York Post 25th of April 2025. (Click image to enlarge)
Click on the links below for podcast interviews with the author about the book:
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Real Folk with Jo Burke |
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If It Ain't Baroque...
Independent History Podcast |
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Dan Snow's HistoryHit |
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Titanic: Legacy The Podcast  
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Titanic Reflections: Deep Conversations  
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+ Imagery of the book and accessories is for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect the final product
+ Numbers will be assigned in the order in which orders are placed.
+ Limited to one order per customer.
+ Purchase is via Stripe, which allows all main credit cards and payment services such as PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Klama.
+ Please ensure your email address, and delivery address is accurate and you select the correct postage required.
+ Postage is as recommended by Royal Mail and subject to change.
+ Books are shipped in well-protected bubble-wrapped padded envelopes.
+ Orders will dispatched as soon as stock is available.
+ Subject to stock/availability and prices listed subject to change at any time.
+ Price does NOT include customs duties and taxes, and must be paid by the buyer. If customs are not paid and the item is returned, return shipping will be deducted from any possible refund.
+ All data will be treated with strict confidentialy and in line with UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
+ Errors, corrections and additions are logged on this page here and will be updated for each edition accordingly.
+ Any other questions, concerns or suggestions please contact me.
Secure payment via Stripe (includes credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay
Google Pay and Klama):
Note: If Stripe is listing the book as "sold out" and you are interested in a copy, please contact me to register interest for when the book is back in stock.
Keep up-to-date with the latest information on the book, including events, newly released documents and video and revised editions and developments. The newsleter is irregular - only sent when there is something newsworthy to share.
