Daniel Allen Butler is a maritime and military historian and the author of eleven books, including acclaimed works such as "Unsinkable: The Full Story of RMS Titanic," "Distant Victory: The Battle of Jutland and the Allied Triumph in the First World War," and "The Other Side of the Night: The Carpathia, the Californian, and the Night the Titanic Was Lost." His expertise extends to broader historical themes, as seen in "The Burden of Guilt: How Germany Shattered the Last Days of Peace, Summer 1914" and "Shadow of the Sultan’s Realm: The Destruction of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East." Butler's most recent work, "Pearl: December 7, 1941," continues his exploration of pivotal moments in history.
Educated at Hope College, Grand Valley State University, and the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Butler served in the U.S. Army before dedicating himself to writing. He is a sought-after speaker, having presented at institutions such as the National Archives in Washington, DC, and the Mariners’ Museum, as well as aboard cruise ships like Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2. Known for his engaging narrative style, Butler combines meticulous research with accessible storytelling, making complex historical events compelling for general audiences.
Currently, Butler is working on two new projects: "The Convoy: ONS-5 and the Last Stand of the Wolfpacks" and "A Short Victorious War: The Russo-Japanese War, 1904–1905." A self-described "semi-professional beach bum," he balances his writing with interests in woodworking, model shipbuilding, and British sports cars. After residing in Los Angeles for several years, he now lives in northern Georgia.