38 pages 1 hour read

David McCullough

The Johnstown Flood

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1968

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Johnstown Flood by David McCullough chronicles the catastrophic Johnstown Flood of 1889, caused by the bursting of a poorly maintained dam in Central Pennsylvania. The flood devastated a steel community, killing over 2,000 people and causing massive destruction. It highlights themes of inequality, greed, and negligence, drawing from survivor interviews to tell the story of this tragic event.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

David McCullough's The Johnstown Flood is widely praised for its meticulous research and compelling narrative, vividly reconstructing the tragic 1889 disaster. Critics appreciate McCullough’s ability to humanize historical figures and events, though some argue that the detailed descriptions can be overwhelming. Overall, it’s a gripping and well-documented account.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Johnstown Flood?

A reader who enjoys The Johnstown Flood by David McCullough is typically interested in American history, disaster narratives, and meticulous storytelling. Fans of Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City and Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken will appreciate the engaging blend of well-researched historical detail and compelling human drama.

RecommendedReading Age

13-18years

Book Details

Topics

History: U.S.

Natural Disaster

History: World

Themes

Values/Ideas: Power & Greed

Society: Class

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Period

Industrial Revolution

Genre

American Literature