The very first narrative published after the Titanic's demise The Titanic was on fire before it hit the iceberg Shortly after the Titanic sank on the morning of April 15, 1912, author Logan Marshall compiled a history of the tragic event. His narrative reads like a novel, yet every word is true. Bruce Caplan took the original work and edited and abridged the book to include new information and today is a much sought-after public speaker and consided a premier Titanic expert.