The Australian Book of Disasters

by Larry Writer

The recent floods that ravaged Queensland saw three-quarters of the state declared a disaster zone—from the capital city on the Brisbane River to remote rural communities—and caused billions of dollars worth of damage, forcing thousands to abandon their homes. This latest assault by nature reminds us all that, despite its stark beauty, the Australian landscape has a deadly edge. It is a place of flood, fire, earthquake and ferocious storms. The Australian Book of Disasters features enthralling stories of catastrophe—and survival and courage in the face of enormous odds. With chapters covering the breadth of this harsh land, it includes detailed accounts of the events burnt into Australia’s national memory, from the Dunbar shipwreck in 1857 to the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009, and finishing with an in-depth look at the Queensland floods of 2010–2011.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2011

Reviews

[Kirstey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great book to read. I was aware of some of the disasters in the book but it was good to read the personal accounts.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book extremely interesting and a good insight into a wide range of disasters that have occurred in Australia both natural and man-made.

It was haunting to read excerpts of first hand accounts from witnesses and find out some of the background to the tragedies. Made me wonder how I'd have reacted in these situations!

A good read for anyone interested in history and/or disasters!