It was one of the earliest novels released following the Titanic's sinking, appearing just 37 days after the catastrophe. Despite its speed, it is considered to be one of the best written and stylish early works. Filson Young, the author, is a distinguished writer who has used his articles in the London Saturday Review and Pall Mall Gazette to advocate for improved maritime safety and the installation of secure radios on all ships. Having traveled the Atlantic alone and known several of the people on board the destroyed ship, his book blends fanciful recollections of the ship's initial few days with compelling stories of the sinking based on early interviews with survivors.