THE WRECK OF THE TITANIC: A POEM

First edition, first printing. Signed by the author. Publisher's original burgundy soft leather with gilt titles to the upper board. Floral patterned endpapers. Frontispiece illustration after a drawing by the author, with tissue guard. A near fine copy, the binding firm with just minor rubbing to the spine tips and edges. The contents are clean throughout and without previous owners' marks. Published less than a year after the disaster, 'The Wreck of the Titanic' is a contemporary poetic memorial to the loss of the RMS Titanic and one of the earliest literary tributes inspired by the sinking. Although little is known of its author, Horace Greeley, the work belongs to the first wave of commemorative publications that sought to memorialise the tragedy and those who perished.

Inscribed by the author in blue ink on the black reverse of the frontispiece "For Bandsman Hartley's memory / with the compliments of the author / Horace Greeley / Mar. 22 1913 / Brooklyn, NY". The printed dedication reads "To her eight musicians: Hartley, Hume, Taylor, Clark, Woodward, Brailey, Krins and Breicoux". Wallace Henry Hartley was an accomplished violinist and bandleader aboard the Titanic during its maiden voyage. As the ship sank in the early hours of 15 April 1912, he led the eight-member band in performing music to help calm passengers and crew. Neither Hartley nor any of his fellow musicians survived the disaster. His body was recovered from the North Atlantic on 4 May 1912 by the cable ship CS Mackay-Bennett. He was found fully dressed, with his leather valise still strapped to his body. By the time his remains returned to his hometown of Colne, Lancashire, for burial on 18 May 1912, Hartley had become a national symbol of courage and selflessness. Remembered across Britain as the musician who met his death with unwavering composure, he was honoured by an extraordinary public tribute. According to the Colne and Nelson Times, around 40,000 people lined the streets to pay their respects as his funeral procession passed.