Niagara: Daredevils, Danger and Extraordinary Stories

by Andrew Hind, Maria da Silva

Niagara is rich with fascinating stories, from daredevils to heroics. From the horrors during the War of 1812, to murder, to technological innovation and the birth of the modern tourist industry, Niagara has seen it * In 1901, Annie Taylor was the first person to go over the falls in a barrel...and survive * It is said that the former Houdini Hall of Fame was cursed by the dead escape artist himself, and that he was responsible for its demise * For two weeks in 1952, Niagara Falls shared the spotlight with another attraction, Hollywood starlet Marilyn Monroe * Maria Spelterini was the first and only woman to cross Niagara on a tightrope...and then she disappears from history * Adulterer Arthur Hoyt Day decided to rid himself of one wife by throwing her into the Niagara gorge; he paid the ultimate price for his crime * Nikola Tesla, an eccentric but brilliant inventor, tamed the falls and revolutionized electricity forever * In 1913, a barge ran aground at the precipice of the falls, creating a landmark and a tale of heroic rescue that endures to this day. * And so much more...

255 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[GG Stewart’s Bookhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to read before visiting this beautiful place.

[Laura Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun to read after trip there.

[Mike Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall it had many interesting segments on Niagara history. Despite having visited Niagara many times I did learn several interesting facts and new details about other people and places.

I did find it very weird that basically a chapter was devoted to Princess Diana visiting Niagara Falls for three hours in 1991 and then going into her tragic death and relationship with her kids. I mean in 3 hours she did the Maid of the Mist and Journey Behind the Falls and left town; in what way does that warrant an entire chapter?