Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The riveting true story of the Galveston hurricane of 1900, still the deadliest natural disaster in American history—from the acclaimed author of The Devil in the White City
“A gripping account ... fascinating to its core, and all the more compelling for being true.” —The New York Times Book Review
September 8, 1900, began innocently in the seaside town of Galveston, Texas. Even Isaac Cline, resident meteorologist for the U.S. Weather Bureau failed to grasp the true meaning of the strange deep-sea swells and peculiar winds that greeted the city that morning. Mere hours later, Galveston found itself submerged in a monster hurricane that completely destroyed the town and killed over six thousand people—and Isaac Cline found himself the victim of a devastating personal tragedy.
Using Cline's own telegrams, letters, and reports, the testimony of scores of survivors, and our latest understanding of the science of hurricanes, Erik Larson builds a chronicle of one man's heroic struggle and fatal miscalculation in the face of a storm of unimaginable magnitude.
“A gripping account ... fascinating to its core, and all the more compelling for being true.” —The New York Times Book Review
September 8, 1900, began innocently in the seaside town of Galveston, Texas. Even Isaac Cline, resident meteorologist for the U.S. Weather Bureau failed to grasp the true meaning of the strange deep-sea swells and peculiar winds that greeted the city that morning. Mere hours later, Galveston found itself submerged in a monster hurricane that completely destroyed the town and killed over six thousand people—and Isaac Cline found himself the victim of a devastating personal tragedy.
Using Cline's own telegrams, letters, and reports, the testimony of scores of survivors, and our latest understanding of the science of hurricanes, Erik Larson builds a chronicle of one man's heroic struggle and fatal miscalculation in the face of a storm of unimaginable magnitude.
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
A story that hit close to home. The white man's arrogance led to thousands dead. Live the characters in the moment the weight of their complacency becomes God's wrath. Also science! Too cool!
I recently visited Galveston and reading this story was extra chilling because I knew the general locations they were speaking about in the book. Fascinating facts. I learned so much.
Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History
If you’re looking for an engaging read to take your mind off the pandemic blues, then look no further than Isaac’s Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Erik Larson, this book is a gripping account of the 1900 hurricane that struck Galveston Island. The story is told through the eyes of Isaac Cline, one of the few meteorologists on duty at the time. If you love history, science and suspenseful storytelling then this is definitely a book to pick up!
At its core, Isaac’s Storm revolves around two main characters: Isaac Cline and his brother Joseph. Both were employed as meteorologists for the US Weather Bureau at the time of the hurricane. Although they had advanced warning about the storm’s approach, they failed to recognize its magnitude until it was too late. This failure is what drives most of Larson’s narrative— we follow Cline as he navigates his way through this unprecedented disaster with little to no resources at his disposal.
Larson’s writing style is both captivating and informative. He skillfully weaves together facts and historical figures with vivid descriptions that bring scenes from over 100 years ago back to life. Through Larson’s words, readers are able to feel what it must have been like for those living through such a catastrophic event—the terror of facing an unknown force of nature without modern-day safety measures or technology to rely on. It truly paints a picture of how vulnerable humans can be when confronted with Mother Nature in all her glory (or wrath).
Though Isaac’s Storm reads like fiction due to its cinematic quality, it is an accurate representation of events that actually transpired in 1900 — which makes it even more compelling! By reading this book you learn valuable lessons about humility before nature and importance of critical thinking during times of crisis. You also get a glimpse into how far meteorology has come since then – something we should all be thankful for!
All things considered, I would highly recommend Isaac's Storm if you're looking for an interesting read that not only transports you back in time but also teaches valuable lessons along the way! So grab a copy today and get ready for an epic adventure set against one of America's greatest natural disasters! For history buffs and casual readers alike there is something here for everyone - so don't miss out!
If you’re looking for an engaging read to take your mind off the pandemic blues, then look no further than Isaac’s Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Erik Larson, this book is a gripping account of the 1900 hurricane that struck Galveston Island. The story is told through the eyes of Isaac Cline, one of the few meteorologists on duty at the time. If you love history, science and suspenseful storytelling then this is definitely a book to pick up!
At its core, Isaac’s Storm revolves around two main characters: Isaac Cline and his brother Joseph. Both were employed as meteorologists for the US Weather Bureau at the time of the hurricane. Although they had advanced warning about the storm’s approach, they failed to recognize its magnitude until it was too late. This failure is what drives most of Larson’s narrative— we follow Cline as he navigates his way through this unprecedented disaster with little to no resources at his disposal.
Larson’s writing style is both captivating and informative. He skillfully weaves together facts and historical figures with vivid descriptions that bring scenes from over 100 years ago back to life. Through Larson’s words, readers are able to feel what it must have been like for those living through such a catastrophic event—the terror of facing an unknown force of nature without modern-day safety measures or technology to rely on. It truly paints a picture of how vulnerable humans can be when confronted with Mother Nature in all her glory (or wrath).
Though Isaac’s Storm reads like fiction due to its cinematic quality, it is an accurate representation of events that actually transpired in 1900 — which makes it even more compelling! By reading this book you learn valuable lessons about humility before nature and importance of critical thinking during times of crisis. You also get a glimpse into how far meteorology has come since then – something we should all be thankful for!
All things considered, I would highly recommend Isaac's Storm if you're looking for an interesting read that not only transports you back in time but also teaches valuable lessons along the way! So grab a copy today and get ready for an epic adventure set against one of America's greatest natural disasters! For history buffs and casual readers alike there is something here for everyone - so don't miss out!
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.