Understanding J. Bruce Ismay, by Clifford Ismay, is a very worthwhile read for those of us interested in the history of the White Star Line and the important role of the Ismay family. The author shares diary entries from the family archives, along with news clippings and White Star documents, to weave a compelling narrative of the Ismays from 1754 through Bruce’s passing in 1937. 

I went into it already believing that Bruce was unfairly scapegoated for the loss of Titanic and for his own rescue. While I didn’t need to be convinced, there is plenty of material in the book that makes a strong case for his competence and character. 

One minor point, though. I was very surprised that in recounting the life of Bruce’s father, Thomas, there was no mention of the wreck of Atlantic. It would have been intriguing to compare Thomas’s reactions of this great loss of life to those of Bruce regarding Titanic years later. 

Yet overall, Understanding J. Bruce Ismay is a wonderful addition to my library that I suggest to anyone interested in the true story of Titanic.