Earth Shook, the Sky Burned

The Earth Shook, The Sky Burned is the dramatic, complete account of the San Francisco earthquake of April 18, 1906. In the early morning of that day, the sleeping city was rocked by a violent earth tremor that ravaged buildings, heaved streets, and terrified drowsy residents. But worse was to come: the devastating fire that swept across the city for three days. Nearly 30,000 structures were destroyed, and over a quarter million people were left homeless.The Earth Shook, The Sky Burned is a blow-by-blow account of the four days of devastation, not only in San Francisco, but in its adjacent communities. Among the huge cast are Enrico Caruso, who vowed never to return after the quake; John Barrymore, reportedly shaken from a tryst with a young actress; General Frederick Funston, who directed attempts to halt the spreading fire; and Amadeo Giannini, who saved the Bank of Italy's gold reserves in his horsecart and founded Bank of America after the fire.Illustrated with over 400 on-the-scene photographs, this memorable book reflects the indomitable spirit and vigor of the people who built the West."e;Bronson covers every aspect of the disaster in lucid sinewy prose and the selection of a brilliant gallery of pictures...This must rank as the most moving and comprehensive account of the great disaster ever published."e;-Los Angeles Times"e;A fascinating book, and the pictures are magnificent."e;-Chicago Sunday Tribune"e;The Earth Shook, The Sky Burned will make you quake in your boots. The extraordinary story that began on April 18, 1906, has never been told better than what you will find between these covers."e;-Michael McCone, Executive Director, The California Historical Society