
audiobook
by Samuel Fallows, Richard Linthicum, Trumbull White
A strikingly detailed chronicle of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, this work opens with the sudden, early‑morning tremor that toppled towering structures, shattered water mains and ignited a raging fire. The narrative follows the initial shock, the collapse of iconic landmarks, and the frantic scramble of residents as the city’s streets turned to ash and ruin.
Drawing on eyewitness testimonies, contemporary photographs, and the meticulous research of two leading historians, the book paints a vivid picture of the terror and desperation that gripped the Golden City. It also places the disaster in a broader context, juxtaposing it with other historic catastrophes and offering scientific perspectives. Listeners will feel as if they stand on Nob Hill, watching the flames devour the business district, while hearing the personal stories of those who survived the first harrowing hours.
Language
en
Duration
~11 hours (658K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Suzanne Shell, Sam W. and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2008-08-21
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1835–1922
A Civil War chaplain turned bishop, educator, and prolific compiler, he led an unusually varied public life on both the battlefield and in the church. His books ranged from patriotism and public instruction to reference works meant for everyday readers.
View all books1859–1934
A newspaper writer and compiler of popular early-1900s books, he turned breaking events into fast, vivid reading for a wide audience. His best-known work on the 1906 San Francisco earthquake captures the urgency and scale of a disaster still remembered today.
View all books1868–1941
A globe-trotting journalist and editor, he turned first-hand reporting and restless curiosity into vivid books about war, travel, and the wider world. His career ranged from newspapers and magazines to ambitious works of popular history and exploration.
View all books