In April 1903, the town of Frank (in what was later to become the province of Alberta, Canada), was buried under a gigantic avalanche of limestone when the top of the mountain above it gave way. Roughly 70 people were killed and outlying sections of the town were destroyed.

Frank Slide includes first hand accounts of survivors and multiple illustrations, maps, and historic photographs. It's a simple little book, but a competent guide to the event and how it happened. Even 100 years later, the massive slide looks as though it occurred yesterday. Google Maps has a great aerial view of the area today, which you can see if you search for "Frank Slide." The town of Frank is an out of the way spot, but certainly worth a visit if you're in the area. The book by itself can't convey the immensity of the catastrophe.... ( )

Culture and Tourism