When the Bell Tolls: The Fires that Changed America

by Patrick Griffith, Henry Davenport Northrop, Marshall Everett

When the Bell The Fires that Changed AmericaThe Fires that Changed America' chronicles the stories of the Sultana Tragedy, Station Nightclub Fire, Richmond Theatre Fire, Ohio State Penitentiary Fire, Collinwood School Fire, Cocoanut Grove Fire, Iroquois Theater Fire, St. Luke's Sanitarium Fire, and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire.Each page of this book resounds with the echoes of history, engulfed in flames and sorrow, while exploring the enduring human capacity for resilience and change. Unearth the overlooked details of the Sultana Tragedy, a maritime disaster that took a backseat in the public consciousness due to the assassination of President Lincoln, and witness the horrifying scale of the Station Nightclub Fire, which shifted the focus of fire safety regulations in public venues.Feel the chilling winter air of the Richmond Theatre Fire of 1811, delve into the harrowing circumstances of the Ohio State Penitentiary Fire, and stand in the grim silence of the Collinwood School Fire that highlighted the urgent need for reforms in school safety measures.Experience the unimaginable horror of the Cocoanut Grove Fire, the deadliest nightclub fire in history, and explore the alarming lack of safety measures during the Iroquois Theater Fire. Contemplate the tragic events of the St. Luke's Sanitarium Fire and reflect on the catastrophic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, which became a catalyst for labor rights movement and ushered in a new era of workplace safety standards.'When the Bell The Fires that Changed America' is more than a chronicle of disasters; it is a testament to the human spirit, to our capacity to learn from tragedy and rise from the ashes stronger and more determined to prevent such catastrophes in the future.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

259 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 12, 2011

Reviews

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is currently available on Audible Plus. It was around five hours long, and I completed it in one shift at work. The physical copy is just under 300 pages. This book offers an overview of tragic fires that changed rules and regulations for public buildings in the United States. I had heard or read about all of the fires mentioned in this book, except for one. I appreciated the personal statements the author included in this book, as it gave a heavier weight to the facts presented. Not bad for a free to listen to book.

[Kyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting

The coverage of the fires, some of which I'd already heard of and some that were new to me, was presented with more detail than any other work I've read on the subject. I look forward to reading volume II next.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horrific stories of actual events in the United States. However, I don't understand why the American people continue to allow these types of incidents to occur to this day. Tragic and sad how we never seem to learn from the past.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so taken by the details of each one of the four fires written about in this book. Devastating that there was so much loss of life that could have been avoided if there had been more comprehensive fire codes and the enforcement of those codes.