📖 Overview
Robert Hichens was a British sailor and quartermaster who achieved historical significance as a crew member of the RMS Titanic during its ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912. He was at the helm when the ship struck the iceberg and later commanded Lifeboat No. 6 during the evacuation.
His actions during the Titanic disaster became controversial, particularly his behavior while in command of Lifeboat No. 6. Multiple passengers, including the notable Margaret "Molly" Brown, reported that he refused to return to rescue survivors from the water and allegedly displayed callous behavior towards those who perished.
Hichens' life and role in the Titanic disaster were thoroughly documented through his testimony at the United States Senate inquiry, where he defended his actions and claimed he was following direct orders from his superiors. His story represents one of the many complex narratives that emerged from the Titanic's sinking, highlighting the human elements of the disaster.
After the Titanic incident, Hichens continued his maritime career until his death in 1940 in Aberdeen, Scotland. His experience as the helmsman during the Titanic's collision and his controversial role in the rescue efforts have made him a significant figure in historical accounts of the disaster.
👀 Reviews
Readers note Hichens' skill at psychological suspense and atmospheric descriptions, particularly in "The Garden of Allah" and "The Green Carnation." Many appreciate his portrayal of Egypt and North Africa, with several reviews praising his "transportive desert scenes" and "rich cultural details."
Common criticisms include slow pacing, overly florid prose, and dated social attitudes. Some readers find his characters stiff and his dialogue formal. Multiple reviews mention struggling to finish "The Garden of Allah" despite its interesting premise.
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
- The Garden of Allah: 3.7/5 (127 ratings)
- The Green Carnation: 3.4/5 (89 ratings)
- Felix: 3.2/5 (31 ratings)
Amazon:
- The Garden of Allah: 4.1/5 (42 reviews)
- The Green Carnation: 3.8/5 (16 reviews)
Notable reader comments often highlight his "remarkable sense of place" while noting that "the writing style takes patience to appreciate."
📚 Books by Robert Hichens
After the Verdict (1924)
A psychological novel examining the aftermath of a murder trial and its impact on the accused who was found not guilty.
Barbary Sheep (1907) A novel set in Algeria following a married woman's dangerous attraction to a mysterious Arab.
Bella Donna (1909) Story of an English woman who marries an Egyptian and becomes entangled in a plot of deception.
The Garden of Allah (1904) Set in the Sahara Desert, chronicles the relationship between a former monk and a woman seeking spiritual enlightenment.
The Green Carnation (1894) A satirical novel based on Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas, withdrawn from circulation after Wilde's trial.
The Paradine Case (1933) Legal thriller about a beautiful woman accused of poisoning her blind husband and the barrister defending her.
The Spell of Egypt (1911) A non-fiction travelogue describing Egyptian landscapes, monuments, and cultural observations.
The Way of Ambition (1913) Chronicles the story of a composer and his wife as they navigate the New York music scene.
The Woman with the Fan (1904) Tale of London society life focusing on a woman's influence over multiple men.
Barbary Sheep (1907) A novel set in Algeria following a married woman's dangerous attraction to a mysterious Arab.
Bella Donna (1909) Story of an English woman who marries an Egyptian and becomes entangled in a plot of deception.
The Garden of Allah (1904) Set in the Sahara Desert, chronicles the relationship between a former monk and a woman seeking spiritual enlightenment.
The Green Carnation (1894) A satirical novel based on Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas, withdrawn from circulation after Wilde's trial.
The Paradine Case (1933) Legal thriller about a beautiful woman accused of poisoning her blind husband and the barrister defending her.
The Spell of Egypt (1911) A non-fiction travelogue describing Egyptian landscapes, monuments, and cultural observations.
The Way of Ambition (1913) Chronicles the story of a composer and his wife as they navigate the New York music scene.
The Woman with the Fan (1904) Tale of London society life focusing on a woman's influence over multiple men.
👥 Similar authors
Walter Lord wrote definitive accounts of maritime disasters including "A Night to Remember" about the Titanic sinking. His research-based narrative style focused on the human experiences during historical catastrophes.
Charles Pellegrino investigated and wrote about the Titanic's sinking through scientific and archaeological perspectives. His work combines historical records with modern discoveries about the wreck.
William Murdoch served as First Officer on the Titanic and documented his experiences of ship operations and procedures. His writings provide first-hand insight into maritime practices and officer responsibilities in the early 20th century.
Joseph Conrad wrote extensively about seafaring life and maritime adventures based on his merchant marine experience. His works explore the psychological and moral challenges faced by sailors at sea.
Richard Davenport-Hines focuses on social history and wrote about the Titanic's passengers across all classes. His work examines the social structures and cultural context of ocean liner travel in the Edwardian era.
Charles Pellegrino investigated and wrote about the Titanic's sinking through scientific and archaeological perspectives. His work combines historical records with modern discoveries about the wreck.
William Murdoch served as First Officer on the Titanic and documented his experiences of ship operations and procedures. His writings provide first-hand insight into maritime practices and officer responsibilities in the early 20th century.
Joseph Conrad wrote extensively about seafaring life and maritime adventures based on his merchant marine experience. His works explore the psychological and moral challenges faced by sailors at sea.
Richard Davenport-Hines focuses on social history and wrote about the Titanic's passengers across all classes. His work examines the social structures and cultural context of ocean liner travel in the Edwardian era.