Dan E. Parkes is a British author, filmmaker, and independent historian whose work explores the human stories behind one of history's most enduring maritime tragedies. For more than thirty-five years, he has researched the RMS Titanic, combining meticulous archival investigation with a passion for separating historical fact from enduring myth. His work has earned him a respected reputation among Titanic historians and enthusiasts alike.

Parkes is the author of "Titanic Legacy: The Captain, the Daughter and the Spy," (Amberley Publishing, 2025) an extensively researched narrative that draws on previously unpublished family letters, photographs, and historical records to tell the extraordinary story of Captain Edward Smith's family after the disaster. Blending biography, social history, and espionage, the book sheds new light on the remarkable life of Smith's daughter, Helen Melville "Mel" Russell Cooke, while re-examining the mysteries surrounding the Titanic's captain and his legacy. The book sold out internationally only a few months after its release and is now in its second edition.

In addition to his writing, Parkes runs a UK-based film production company and has produced documentaries and educational content on Titanic history. He also maintains several respected research websites dedicated to Titanic officers and the ongoing examination of the ship's history, reflecting his commitment to rigorous scholarship and historical accuracy.