On the morning of April 18 1906 San Francisco was struck by a violentearthquake that shook the city and ignited an even deadlier menace a threeday fire that bu... » 

On the morning of April 18 1906 San Francisco was struck by a violentearthquake that shook the city and ignited an even deadlier menace a threeday fire that burned up and down the citys streets and incinerated itsbuildings and neighborhoods. Landmarks homes hotels churches and artworkwere reduced to rubble and ash. Hundreds died and thousands more struggled tofind food money and shelter or fled the city by ferry.Pennsylvania native Charles Morris one of the more prolific and versatilewriters of his day went to San Francisco immediately following the earthquaketo interview survivors and observe the mayhem. The San Francisco Calamity byEarthquake and Fire was rushed into print a few weeks thereafter. Consideredthe first full and balanced account of the earthquake and fire Morrissgripping record combines dramatic eyewitness accounts and firsthandobservations with scientific fact and grim detail contrasting romantic talesof heroism and escape with the stark realism of devastation death and loss.Enhanced by numerous illustrations The San Francisco Calamity by Earthquakeand Fire captures the irrepressible spirit of turnofthecentury San Franciscothat helped the city recover and rebuild after one of the greatest naturaldisasters in American history. In a new introduction to this paperback editionRoger W. Lotchin provides additional historical context and assesses thecredibility and reputation of the book. «