ERIK LARSON is an American journalist and narrative historian, known for fast-paced books rich in authentic detail.

One hundred years ago, the RMS Lusitania sank in less than 18 minutes off the coast of Cork. Richard Fitzpatrick delves into two new books which examine the actions that led to the unnecessary death of 1,198 men, women and children.

The commander of the German U-20 submarine who ordered the devastating torpedo to be fired at the Lusitania and the officer who launched the strike have sidebar links to another dramatic event in Irish history — the 1916 Rising.