The San Francisco Earthquake
Gordon Thomas and Max Morgan Witts
📚 Genre
Non-Fiction, History / Disasters
🏢 Publisher
Stein and Day / Publishers / New York
📅 Publication Year
1971
🔢 ISBN
081281360X (ISBN-10), 978-0812813609 (ISBN-13)
About This Book
An exhaustive historical reconstruction of the April 18, 1906, earthquake and subsequent fire that devastated San Francisco. The book utilizes eyewitness accounts and archival records to chronicle the hours leading up to the disaster, the chaos of the event itself, and the controversial political and military decisions made during the reconstruction. It focuses on the human element, detailing the experiences of both famous figures and ordinary citizens caught in the catastrophe.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
316 pages
Edition
First Edition (Hardcover)
Series
Stand-alone volume
Target Audience
Adult / General Audience / History Enthusiasts
Collector Information
Condition
Very Good. The title page is clean with crisp typography; the paper shows slight natural age toning but no significant foxing or stains. The binding appears tight based on the page lay.
Estimated Value
$15.00 - $45.00
Rarity
Common. This was a widely printed book by a major publisher with multiple printings and book club editions. While first editions in fine condition with dust jackets are more desirable, they are frequently found in the secondary market.
Historical Significance
A major best-seller upon release, it helped popularize the 'narrative history' style for disaster accounts. It remains a key reference for its extensive use of primary interviews with the last living survivors of the 1906 event.
Collector Notes
For collectors, focus on finding a copy with the original dust jacket in unclipped condition. Check for the price on the inner flap and look for 'First Edition' or 'First Published 1971' on the copyright page to distinguish from later reprints or the Book-of-the-Month Club editions, which look similar but lack the price and have a small indented square on the back board. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the spine from fading.
Similar Books
A Crack in the Edge of the World by Simon Winchester; San Francisco is Burning by Dennis Smith; Disaster! The Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire of 1906 by Dan Kurzman.
Notable Features
Includes a list of interviewed survivors (as seen on the facing page), historical photographs, and a detailed index. The title page features the classic Stein and Day 'SD' logo.