Earth Shook, the Sky Burned, the ; 100th Anniversary Edition: A Photographic Record of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire [Paperback]

William Bronson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 16, 2006

"The Earth Shook, The Sky Burned" has mesmerized San Francisco tourists and residents for decades. Illustrated with more than four hundred on-the-scene photographs, this definitive volume tells the dramatic story of the four days of upheaval and destruction that swept the city when a violent earth tremor rocked the land, succeeded rapidly by a devastating fire that destroyed nearly thirty thousand buildings and left over a quarter million people homeless. Now, reissued with a powerful new cover, "The Earth Shook, The Sky Burned" is a San Francisco classic, revealing what really happened that April morning almost a century ago, when the face of the city was changed forever.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The most moving and comprehensive account of the great disaster ever published. Los Angeles Times --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

William Bronson (1926-1976) authored four books on West Coast history and produced a PBS film on the Great Quake. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; 100th Anniversary edition. edition (February 16, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811850471
• ISBN-13: 978-0811850476
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #335,191 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #26 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Geology > Volcanology
  • #44 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Seismology
  • #66 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Earthquakes & Volcanoes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AN ENGROSSING ACCOUNT OF THIS GREAT DISASTER., July 15, 2000

By 

Boz - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Earth Shook Sky Burned: A Photographic Record of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire (Paperback)

I have read many books about the great earthquake and fire of 1906, and this is by far the best. A stirring and realistic account of the tragedy is illustrated with the best photos that I have seen, many taken in the places of most danger at the time. This is a must-have book for those who are interested in the 'quake of '06.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not deep on narrative, but excellent photograph, April 4, 2006

By 

Jerald R Lovell (Clinton Township, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Earth Shook, the Sky Burned, the ; 100th Anniversary Edition: A Photographic Record of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire (Paperback)

The basis history of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake of April 18, 1906 is well known, and will be repeated endlessly as the centennial of this geologic event occurs.

The present volume is a photographic glimpse into the awful events of fire and collapse that followed the earthquake. The book is not long on discussion, but the clarity and starkness of the photographs reveal much that discussion never could. For any student of geology, or of California history, the book is a valuable addition to one's library. These black and white vignettes of a terrible disaster tell us much about the life and times of that bygone era. I recommend it to all.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So long ago, but so relevent, April 25, 2006

By 

Karoly (Western WA-USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Earth Shook, the Sky Burned, the ; 100th Anniversary Edition: A Photographic Record of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire (Paperback)

I was fascinated with natural disasters when I was a child. I remember looking through this book, lying on my parent's bed, staring at the pictures of this horrible event. They haunted me then, and I can still see them in my mind's eye, these 35 years later. This is a story told with visuals, not dialogue. It is beautifully photographed, all without censure or special effects. The photos are grainy and some blurred, but capture the heart of the people of San Francisco, as it is broken and burned. Some images are difficult to see, and readers must use discretion if light of heart. Otherwise, I highly recommend it for anyone who has an interest in natural disasters.