Futility, Or the Wreck of the Titan

Morgan Robertson (1861 - 1915)

This novel was published a full 14 years before the sinking of the Titanic, but listeners may be surprised at how many parallels this fictional tale has with subsequent true events.

The Titan is the largest and most technologically advanced steamship of her time. She is considered unsinkable. Her full speed crossings of the Northern Lane Route carry her rich passengers in the highest standards of luxury and comfort. The less well-off travel in rougher quarters but still benefit from the speed of travel. These crossings, however, are fraught with navigational hazards, the greatest of which is ice.

Unlike the ship, one member of her crew is not of the highest standard. At least, not anymore. John Rowland is a broken man who drinks to forget his past. However, when the Titan crashes into an iceberg during her attempt to break a speed record, he is forced to confront his past. Can he overcome his enemies and escape as the ship begins to sink? And can he make his way back to civilization and find self-respect once more? Adventure and soul-searching await Rowland, with a surprise ending.

Genre(s): Nautical & Marine Fiction

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 01 01 - Chapter One Tom Weiss
00:07:03
Play 02 02 - Chapter Two Tom Weiss
00:09:25
Play 03 03 - Chapter Three Tom Weiss
00:07:44
Play 04 04 - Chapter Four Tom Weiss
00:09:58
Play 05 05 - Chapter Five Tom Weiss
00:06:20
Play 06 06 - Chapter Six Tom Weiss
00:16:47
Play 07 07 - Chapter Seven Tom Weiss
00:10:58
Play 08 08 - Chapter Eight Tom Weiss
00:09:27
Play 09 09 - Chapter Nine Tom Weiss
00:11:15
Play 10 10- Chapter Ten Tom Weiss
00:09:56
Play 11 11- Chapter Eleven Tom Weiss
00:12:47
Play 12 12- Chapter Twelve Tom Weiss
00:10:59
Play 13 13- Chapter Thirteen Tom Weiss
00:10:52
Play 14 14- Chapter Fourteen Tom Weiss
00:06:54
Play 15 15 - Chapter Fifteen Tom Weiss
00:09:16
Play 16 16- Chapter Sixteen Tom Weiss
00:03:24