Customer Reviews

The Earth Shook Sky Burned: A Photographic Record of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire

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4 star:		(1)
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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.

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.

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.

I had the chance to buy the 1957 hardback version used instead of getting the paperback. It is a fabulous book. I've learned a great deal about those three days in 1906.

I AM SO HAPPY TO HAVE GOTTEN THIS FOR A GIFT . THIS HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY CLASSIC WILL HOLD A PERMANENT PLACE IN MY LIBRARY OF GREAT NON-FICTION & CLASSICS . THERE ARE 400 PHOTOS AND VERY DESCRIPTIVE CAPTIONS ALONG WITH SHORT STORY LINES THAT ARE WRITTEN IN PROPER CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER .

I HAVE EVEN TAKEN TO USING A MAGNIFYING GLASS TO SEARCH THE FAR BACKROUNDS OF MANY OF THESE HEART STOPPING PICTURES OF PEOPLE, ANIMALS FROZEN IN TIME DURING THE MOST FRIGHTENING DAYS OF THEIR LIVES . I'T SEEMS THAT THERE ISN'T PANIC IN ANY OF THESE FACES WHILE IT LOOKED LIKE THE WORLD WAS COMING TO AN AWFUL FIERY END . WHY HAVE WE AS A PEOPLE CHANGED WHEN CALM WOULD BE THE ORDER OF THE DAY DURING SUCH AN EXPERIENCE ?

MY DAD USE TO SAY MANY YEARS AGO, " MEN WERE MADE OF STEEL AND SHIPS MADE OF WOOD ...NOW MEN SEEM TO BE MADE OF WOOD "

Numerous writers and historians have told me that "The Earth Shook The Sky Burned" is still the definitive book on the events of 1906. Why have they told me this? Because my father wrote the book!

In any case, there is a reason the book has stayed in print for almost fifty years - it was meticulously researched and is an amazing pictorial essay. It is a must-have for anybody interested in those tragic and heroic days.

I did not purchase this book through amazon.com, as I have a hard bound copy with an inscription from the author. This compilation, the narratives and photographs are timeless.