In Erik Larson's "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania," a compelling account is given of the tragic sinking of the British passenger liner Lusitania during World War I. The vessel was attacked by a single German submarine, known as Unterseeboot-9-U-9, under the command of Captain Otto Weddigen. This incident resulted in a catastrophic loss of life, with 1,459 British sailors perishing, many of whom were young and inexperienced teenagers.

The narrative emphasizes the scale of the tragedy and the impact of the submarine warfare tactics employed by Germany. The Lusitania's sinking not only marked a significant event in the war but also spurred public outrage and shifted attitudes toward Germany during this tumultuous period. Larson meticulously illustrates the events leading up to this maritime disaster, capturing both the human stories and the broader implications of the war.