From School Library Journal
Gr 5-9-An easy-to-read social history of the late 19th century, centering on the devastating effects of the blizzard that hit 10 Northeastern states and dumped up to 50 inches of snow in some places. De Hahn compares this disaster to other storms and explains its effects on city dwellers, farmers, the poor, the working class, the infants in the New York Infant Asylum, and others. Sidebars highlight the lives of meteorologist Sgt. Francis Long; P. T. Barnum, whose circus was appearing in Manhattan; and Senator Roscoe Conkling. This is good social history, looking at a weather event and analyzing how it led to changes such as moving telephone wires underground and improving sanitation. Thirty-three black-and-white archival photographs and reproductions show this blizzard and its aftermath.
Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
