Titanic and Other Tales

In this engrossing memoir, renowned undersea explorer Robert Ballard—famous for discovering the wreck of the Titanic—recounts his life of delving into the ocean's secrets, from shipwrecks to scientific breakthroughs. Join him on this lifelong expedition through all his greatest adventures.

Best known for finding the wreck of the Titanic, celebrated oceanographer Robert Ballard has a lifetime of stories about exploring the ocean depths. From revolutionary discoveries such as hydrothermal vents—keys to understanding Earth's plate tectonics—to famous shipwreck finds, including the Bismarck and PT 109, Ballard has made history.

Today, as his exploration vessel Nautilus travels the world, his work is far from over—as revealed in the two new chapters added to this paperback edition of his original memoir, Into the Deep.

• Ballard's boyhood challenges and his late-in-life discovery that dyslexia made him who he is
• His innovative development and use of remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs)
• The remarkable secret operation that led to Titanic
• Underwater quests around the world: ancient Mediterranean trade routes, World War II warships, Amelia Earhart's plane
• His current exploration of the US Exclusive Economic Zone—the ocean seascapes 200 miles out from all territories
• His contributions to an ongoing search for Cleopatra's lost tomb, off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt

Here are the first-person stories of danger and discovery, science and serendipity, that make up his remarkable life. Perfect for history lovers, divers and boaters, ocean science enthusiasts, and all those who love to read about answering the call of adventure.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs