Halifax Explosion: Heroes and Survivors

by Joyce Glasner

The Halifax explosion was unprecedented in its devastation with regards to casualties, force and radius of the blast, and widespread damage to property.

This book offers a collection of carefully selected visuals that tell the story of the devastation caused by the explosion and the impact it had on Halifax. Joyce Glasner focuses on the impact of this wartime disaster on the thousands of survivors.

Genres: Canada

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 11, 2011

Reviews

[John Peel · Rating 5 out of 5]

On December 6th, 1917, two ships collided in the harbor at Halifax, Nova Scotia. One was filled with munitions intended for World War I. The resultant explosion killed almost 2,000, injured and blinded 9,000 more and destroyed almost half of the town. It was a horrific disaster... and one I'd never even heard of. This book covers the events of just that day, describing from eyewitness accounts how people were affected. It's absolutely horrifying, compelling reading, a story of cowardice, heroism, tragedy and vivid disaster. It's a brilliant and unsettling book.

[Shelly Wygant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did a great job of telling the story of the devastation of the explosion. The story tells of heroes and survivors that in the aftermath stepped up to help all the injured. I can't even image the devastation. I love to learn of history and this book told a story of a life altering situation.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview that focuses on the human element. I greatly appreciated the index (as I needed reminders of who was who). My only suggestion for a next edition would be to add a map to give readers a better understanding of how widespread the tragedy was.