As can be expected when somebody claims to be the reincarnation of an historical figure, Barnes has met with considerable ridicule. But not everyone is a skeptic. Research scientist John Wilcox, Ph.D., a mathematician and physicist at the University of Pennsylvania's Johnson Research Foundation, heard Barnes describe the bell effect of a collision with Titanic's single hull and wondered if the theory could be tested by computer simulation. Based on the physical properties of the steel (now known from samples brought up from the wreck), the exact dimensions of the ship, and Barnes' memories of the speed at which she hit the iceberg, Wilcox created a computer-generated model that mathematically reproduced the acoustic energies in Titanic's hull before and after the collision. The findings lend strong support to Barnes' past-life memory of the vibrating hull as a major factor in the breakup of the ship. The results of Dr. Wilcox's simulations, including the diagrams, are included in the book.

I myself was impressed with Barnes' ability to remember seemingly minor details, such as the name of the ship's cat, Jenny. (Now there's a piece of trivia for you -- remember that for your next quiz show!) In addition to the cat, publisher Linda Nathanson, in her appendix to the book, lists 23 other verifiable reference points. Plus, there is a section on "Science versus Past-Life Memories," which presents various scientific data on the brittle composition of the steel, recent experiments with scale models, and results of sonar scannings of Titanic's wreck by the Discovery Communications Expedition -- all of which support what Bill remembers from his life as Tommie.

The result is one of the most convincing cases for reincarnation that I have seen in my 20+ years of writing on this topic. Highly recommended!


Time is an interesting thing...   October 19, 2004
 11 out of 11 found this review helpful

It's interesting to note how criticism of this book has changed in 4 years. When Mr. Barnes' book first came out in 2000, it was criticized because so-called experts claimed that Thomas Andrews could not have known about the quality of Titanic's steel (actually, how could he have NOT known?) or that Titanic would break, or that she'd overturn if the compartments were allowed to flood evenly. Those people evidently failed to take into account that Mr. Andrews was one of the preeminent naval architects of his day, and was even called upon by rival shipbuilders to assist them in troubleshooting design flaws in their ships.

It's interesting now to read critiques that say all one needs do is go to the Discovery Channel to get the same "secrets" that William Barnes speaks of. I strongly suspect that Mr. Barnes' detractors have secretly hoarded his book over the past few years, researched and verified his past life memories, and then tried to take credit for things Mr. Barnes amazing past-life recall had long documented. If people would only take the time to research a little about WHAT is now known, and WHEN it became known, they would realize that the information which came from Mr. Barnes' past-life regression (which occurred prior even to the publishing of his books and tapes) predates a great deal of now common knowledge.

I credit Mr. Barnes with the courage to step out and tell his story, realizing that reincarnation is not yet accepted by many people in western culture. As time passes, everything he wrote about Titanic's secrets -- down to the most arcane -- is being proved. Others may give credit elsewhere to the information Mr. Barnes has released, but those of us who have followed his amazing story from the beginning (including the incredible synchronicities and even astrological verification between the Andrews and Barnes lifetimes), know that Bill Barnes is the genuine article.

I highly recommend this book not only for its detailed account on the life of Thomas Andrews, but for the insight it provides to past-life researchers and those who themselves experience past-life recall.

Kevin Doheny, BA, CHT, MBT
Center Director
Sound Mind & Body Healing Center
Eagan, Minnesota


Journey into time   December 3, 2004
 11 out of 11 found this review helpful

On a cold Saturday I sat to read this book without any expectations as to its ability to interest me.
As I began reading the unfoldment of Tommie's life, I was no longer sitting at home but rather sitting in a bubble of time watching the progress of events that presented themselves in movie-like clarity.
By the end of the book I finally noticed the sun had set and needed a reading light.
This is not so much a narrative of events past, but rather a re-enactment of a drama that uses the reader's mind as a stage to play out a story that even today captures the imagination and fascination of thousands.
To me, not so much because of the magnitude of the calamity that happened in mid-ocean, but because it is exemplar of the real-life battle between the integrity and righteousness of the soul and the barely concealed evil of ignorance and selfish blindness in materially obsessed ego.
Perhaps there are those that think the story has an unhappy ending, but the fact that it had to be written by the one who lived it, is proof positive the justice (karmic or Divine) is not an obscure concept, but a spiritual reality.
Time and the efforts of the unjust, do not destroy truth, they just delay its inevitable revelation.

I think the measure of readers liking this story or not, depends on their willingness to surrender their minds to be transported to a different time and to be shown a simple truth:

"This is what happened"

Half a century and all the learned men of the world could not hide it.
Did I forget to mention that I liked it?

W. Silva


One of the best books that I have read   August 20, 2000
 10 out of 11 found this review helpful

This was one of the most amazing stories I have heard about from the Titanic. It answers many of the questions that have been asked in the past.For example many people have often wondered what happen to Thomas Andrews the ships builder.I will not not give away the answer but instead I will tell you that the situation was unlike anything you have seen in a movie. I would greatly recommend this book as well as A Night to Remember. Both books give vital information on the sinking of the Titanic.If you have any interest in the Titanic, than this book a must read book.


Not really that good   December 26, 1999
 8 out of 11 found this review helpful

I purchased the book thinking it was an account of what happened to Thomas Andrews on the last moments of the great ship. Instead I found it a " reincarnation " story, and some aspects confuse me. For example there are some metal properties which were not discovered until 1947, yet Thomas Andrews amazingly knows them in 1912. The author has written a good book, and I was happy with his author ability, but if your looking for an account of Thomas Andrews, a real account, this isn't the book for you