Books Like...
'A Crack in the Edge of the World' by Simon Winchester delves into the history of geology and California, leading up to the destructive earthquake that devastated San Francisco in 1906. Winchester's writing style combines factual information with charming anecdotes and humorous side stories, making the book an entertaining and informative read. Despite some opinions stating that the book meanders into technical details and unrelated topics, many readers appreciate Winchester's ability to provide a comprehensive overview of plate tectonics, seismology, and the history of California within the context of the San Francisco earthquake.
If you liked A Crack in the Edge of the World, here are the top 41 books to read next:
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Save:Max Allan Collins' 'Blood and Thunder' in the Nathan Heller series delves into historical mysteries intertwining the protagonist with notable figures and events from American history. The book presents complex plots and provincial language, creating a depth that captivates readers. Heller, an ex-cop from Chicago, navigates through intricate storylines involving historical figures like Marilyn Monroe, Huey Long, and the Black Dahlia, showcasing the magic of storytelling in a noir setting.
The book is a blend of faction and fiction, with meticulously researched descriptions of characters and accurate settings that bring the tense plots to life. Collins skillfully weaves together historical events with deft storytelling, making the reader open their mind to the twists and turns of American history through Heller's adventures across the country.
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Save:'Young Men and Fire' by Norman Maclean is a poignant retelling of the tragic 1949 Mann Gulch fire in Montana, where 13 young smokejumpers lost their lives. Maclean meticulously details the events of the fire, exploring every aspect and lesson learned. The book seamlessly weaves together the human drama of the young firefighters' bravery and sacrifice with the evolution of firefighting practices. While the writing is praised for its clarity and emotional depth, some readers found the later sections to be overly technical, delving into the mathematics of fire behavior.
IN 1949 THE SMOKEJUMPERS were not far from their origins as parachute jumpers turned stunt performers dropping from the wings of planes at county fairs just for the hell of it plus a few dollars, less... 'Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded: August 27, 1883' by Simon Winchester is a detailed account of the catastrophic eruption of the Krakatau volcano in 1883. Winchester weaves together vulcanology, geology, history, technology, Indonesian legends, and politics to narrate the story of the Krakatoa eruption and its wide-ranging impacts on society and the world. delves into the historical backdrop of the Dutch East India Company, Indonesian history, geology, geography, and militant Islam, providing a comprehensive exploration of the events leading up to and following the eruption.
He also had one volcano that was extinct. But, as he said, ‘One never knows!’ So he cleaned out the extinct volcano, too. If they are well cleaned out, volcanoes burn slowly and steadily, without any ...- #4
Save:'The Big Ones: How Natural Disasters Have Shaped Us and What We Can Do about Them' by Lucy Jones is an exploration of notable natural disasters in human history, focusing on events that impacted large populations and the human response to these catastrophic events. The author delves into historical disasters such as Mount Vesuvius' destruction of Pompeii in 79 CE and the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami of 2011, providing insights into how societies have dealt with and learned from such calamities. Jones emphasizes the importance of not only surviving the crisis but also ensuring effective recovery and preparation for future disasters, highlighting the need for resilient communities in the face of natural forces beyond human control.
Contrary to the title, 'The Big Ones' does not solely cover the most intense natural disasters but instead focuses on events that fundamentally changed communities and cultures. Through a combination of historical accounts and geological narratives, the book examines how fear influences responses to catastrophes and the reasoning behind these reactions. Jones takes readers on a journey through significant disasters like the volcanic eruption of Pompeii, the devastating floods in California in 1862, and the impact of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, offering a comprehensive look at how natural disasters have shaped human history and society.
Vesuvius’s eruption in the sixth century BC led the Osci tribes of that region, and the Roman conquerors who followed, to declare it the home of the god Vulcan. The periodic steam rising from it was a... 'The Golden Spruce: A True Story of Myth, Madness, and Greed' by John Vaillant revolves around the mysterious felling of a sacred golden spruce tree in the Pacific Northwest as an ecologic protest. This act is intertwined with the history of the Haida people, the logging industry, and the story of Grant Hadwin, a disturbed ex-logger. The narrative delves into the clash between the demand for timber and the preservation of nature, shedding light on the cultural significance of the golden spruce to the native tribes. Vaillant skillfully combines elements of history, biography, and nature writing to create a captivating account that uncovers the complexities of the human-nature relationship and the environmental repercussions of human actions.
ON THE NORTHWEST COAST, there is no graceful interval between the ocean and the trees; the forest simply takes over where the tide wrack ends, erupting full-blown from the shallow, bouldered earth. Th...- #6
Save:'The Discoverers: A History of Man's Search to Know His World and Himself' by Daniel J. Boorstin is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the history of human discovery and scientific advancements. Boorstin delves into various aspects of exploration, scientific discoveries, and philosophical advancements throughout history. The book is divided into four parts: Time, The Earth and Seas, Nature, and Society, each covering a wide range of topics from the development of timekeeping to the exploration of the world and the evolution of scientific and social thought. Boorstin's writing style is described as engaging, well-researched, and beautifully written, making it an informative and enjoyable read for those interested in the evolution of human understanding.
FROM far-northwest Greenland to the southernmost tip of Patagonia, people hail the new moon—a time for singing and praying, eating and drinking. Eskimos spread a feast, their sorcerers perform, they e... - #7
Save:'The Map That Changed the World: William Smith and the Birth of Modern Geology' by Simon Winchester is a biography of William Smith, a pivotal figure in the discipline of geology. The book delves into Smith's passion for understanding rock formations, his groundbreaking discoveries in stratigraphy and faunal assemblage, and his struggles for recognition and acceptance in the scientific community. Winchester's writing style is described as informative, engaging, and at times, overly detailed, with a mix of historical context and scientific exploration.
1. Cold Bath Fields 2. Clerkenwell Bridewell 3. New Prison, Clerkenwell 4. Fleet Prison 5. City Bridewell 6. Ludgate Prison I 7. Newgate Prison 8. Giltspur Street Compter 9. Wood Street Compter 10. Po... - #8
Save:'The Johnstown Flood' by David McCullough chronicles the devastating natural disaster that occurred in 1889 when a dam in western Pennsylvania collapsed, leading to one of the worst tragedies in US history. McCullough's writing style captivates readers by delivering a wealth of historical data in a compelling and engaging manner. The narrative explores the events leading up to the flood, exposing the failures and decisions that culminated in the disaster, while also shedding light on the social and economic dynamics of the time. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, McCullough brings to life the horror of the flood and its aftermath, providing insight into the lives of both the average citizens of Johnstown and the prominent figures involved.
By late afternoon a sharp, gusty wind was blowing down from the mountains, flattening the long grass along the lakeshore and kicking up tiny whitecaps out in the center of the lake. The big oaks and g... - #9
Save:'Out of the Dust' by Karen Hesse is a historical fiction novel set during the Dust Bowl era, narrated through free verse poetry by the protagonist, Billie Jo. The story follows Billie Jo's struggles as she faces hardships like the loss of her mother and brother in a tragic accident, her father's illness, and her own physical and emotional scars. The book captures the harsh realities of life during the Dust Bowl, highlighting themes of loss, determination, and resilience.
The writing style of 'Out of the Dust' is described as poignant and emotionally evocative, with the free verse poems effectively conveying the devastating impact of the Dust Bowl on Billie Jo and her family. Through Billie Jo's poetic narration, readers are taken on a journey of heartbreak, grief, and ultimately, hope as she navigates through the challenges of growing up in poverty and tragedy during the Great Depression.
"The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire That Saved America" by Timothy Egan delves into the historical event of the catastrophic wildfire that occurred in August 1910 in Idaho, Washington, and Montana. The narrative not only focuses on the actual fire but also explores the establishment of the U.S. Forest Service by President Theodore Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot, shedding light on the conservation movement of the early 20th century. Through vivid storytelling, Egan portrays the harrowing experiences of the forest service rangers and the townspeople who faced the devastating fire, highlighting acts of heroism and the political implications that followed.
FOR TWO DAYS snow had been falling in upstate New York, so it came as a surprise to Gifford Pinchot when he showed up at the executive mansion in Albany and found the second-story windows wide open an...
