Deep-Sea Explorer: The Story of Robert Ballard Discoverer of the Titanic [Paperback]

Rick Archbold (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1995

The inspirational life-story of the undersea explorer who discovered the wreck of the Titanic offers a moving examination of Ballard's concern for helping the environment and saving the threatened oceans.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up-This fast-paced biography begins with a description of Ballard's first view of the wreckage of the Titanic and then flashes back to his childhood by the Pacific Ocean. The twists and turns his life took, which led to his pioneering work in undersea exploration, are then described. The man's brash, sometimes abrasive, personality comes through, along with his determination in the face of setbacks and obstacles, resulting in a multifaceted portrayal. Two chapters cover the Titanic adventure as a culmination of years of work on finding underwater evidence to support the theory of plate tectonics and discovering hydrothermal vents and black smokers along deep undersea rift valleys. A glossary defines many of the scientific terms, and an index provides access to specific areas of interest. This is an engaging narrative of a sometimes controversial figure, providing a glimpse of the public frustrations and personal disappointments that pioneers often face. Occasional black-and-white photographs illustrate the text.
Frances E. Millhouser, Reston Regional Library, VA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 7-10. Archbold, who collaborated with Robert Ballard on several books, has written a readable, exciting portrait of the scientist/explorer who discovered the Titanic, the Bismarck, and shipwrecks from the Battle of Guadalcanal. The book chronicles Ballard's childhood in San Diego, describing both his early fascination with the sea and his strong family relationships. Ballard's academic and research failures, as well as his successes, are described, as is his refusal to give up in the face of personal trauma. Ballard's initial scientific work--seeking evidence of plate tectonic activity on the ocean floor--was not enough for the intensely driven and creative man. His desire for new frontiers led him into deep-sea exploration and the discoveries of famous shipwrecks. Illustrated with underwater photographs, the book also contains a reading list for young explorers. Merri Monks --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin School (May 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395732727
• ISBN-13: 978-0395732724
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,976,862 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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