America's Great Disasters

by Sandler, Martin W.

• ISBN13: 9780060291075
• ISBN10: 0060291079
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-04-17
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publications

Summary

For more than two centuries, Americans have proven themselves to be courageous and strong. These qualities are never more important than in the face of nature's destructive forces or the dangers brought about by the innovations of the industrial revolution. The San Francisco earthquake, which reduced much of the city to rubble; the sinking of the steamship Sultana, the worst American maritime disaster of all time; and the Johnston flood, which washed away an entire town, are only a few of the calamities to have befallen this country. Through the use of photographs, engravings, and newspaper clippings that detail some of the worst disasters ever to confront this country, author Martin W. Sandler presents the American people at their best, standing firm in situations of great danger. In doing so, a fascinating picture emerges of a nation's bravery, resilience, and humor -- traits that continue to characterize Americans today.

Author Biography

Martin W. Sandler is the author of more than forty books, He has been nominated twice for the Pulitzer Prize and is one of America's most respected television producers, with five Emmy Awards to his credit. In addition to his many other experiences, Mr. Sandler once played second base for a Cincinnati Reds farm team. He is author-in-residence at the University of Florida. Mr. Sandler and his wife, Carol, live in Massachusetts

Table of Contents

Disasters at Sea	5	(15)
The Sultana Explosion
Flood: Rising Waters	15	(12)
The Johnstown Flood
Droughts and Dust: Disaster from the Parched Earth	27	(10)
The Dust Bowl
Fire: The Ever-Present Danger	37	(10)
The Wisconsin Forest Fire
Hurricanes: Nature's Fury Unleashed	47	(10)
The Galveston Hurricane
Blizzards: Disasters from the Sky	57	(8)
The Blizzard of '88
Disease: Nature's Greatest Disaster	65	(8)
The Influenza Epidemic of 1918-19
Earthquakes: The Restless Earth	73	(12)
The San Francisco Earthquake
Volcanoes: Danger from Beneath the Earth	85
The Mount St. Helens Eruption