Max Morgan-Witts

The authors have researched numerous archives around the world to assemble a fascinating account of the eruption of Mount Pelée in 1902, which destroyed the city of St. Pierre on the island of Martinique. This book is a day-by-day account of the chain of events leading to the disaster, covering May 2nd to May 8th. It not only covers the eruption itself, but related events such as a flood of mud that destroys a sugar factory, a prison riot, and a voodoo uprising. It shows the short-sightedness of those in charge due to politics of an upcoming election. This tragedy could have been much less severe in terms of loss of life if action had been taken sooner.

The authors employ the technique of weaving together individual stories with descriptions of the bigger picture. The narrative is strictly a historical account and is light on scientific explanations, but it is very readable and flows nicely. The authors provide an extensive bibliography, but no footnotes relating content to sources. I had not read anything about this disaster previously and feel I learned a great deal.… (mehr)

Published in 1972, this book is narrative non-fiction about the SS Morro Castle, a ship that was returning from a pleasure cruise to Havana, containing over 500 passengers and crew, when it caught fire and ran aground in New Jersey, killing 134 people. This book attempts to prove it was arson by one of the radio operators. The authors also highlight contributing factors, such as untrained crew, lack of lifeboat drills, and other negligence. The story is based on interviews of many survivors and experts. There are a few questionable structural issues – the last part of the book basically recounts news articles. The details of this tragic shipwreck are vividly described. Much is based on circumstantial evidence, but the authors do make a plausible case for arson. It held my interest and has led me to further research this disaster. Recommended to those interested in history’s mysteries.… (mehr)

I added this book to my shelf after a friend had reviewed it. Last week while helping out at the library, I found it in the pile of books they were pulling from the shelves. I sat down and opened it up and the next time I looked up an hour and half had lapsed.

This is a riveting, day by day, account of the eruption of Pelee in 1902. Published in 1969, this book has stood the test of time. It reads more like an engrossing novel then a non-fictional account written by two news reporters. The research that went into this book is evident.

The story combines the everyday emotions and lives of the people living below the mountain, in St. Pierre. The authors also include all of the turmoil that was occurring: vodoo worshipers, the political motives, the involvement (or non-involvement) of the Catholic Church. So many lives were lost due to inaction by so many people. Insects and snakes invaded the town, even they were smart enough to come down off the mountain and "get out of Dodge". Political motives fueled those in charge and no evacuation orders were issued. Approximately 30,000 souls were lost, and an entire town wiped off the map.
… (mehr)