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Book Review of Triangle : The Fire That Changed America

Triangle : The Fire That Changed America
Cattriona avatar reviewed on + 200 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


This is a very readable history of the Triangle Fire in 1911, and the labor and industrial issues of the era which contributed to the tragedy. Though it was written in 2003, the author was the first to compile a complete list of the 146 victims of the fire. He did a great deal of research before writing, and it shows -- this is one of two definitive works on the fire (the other by Leon Stein in 1962). Despite the factual recounting, the writing is interesting in its own right -- it would have made for a shocking blockbuster movie if not for the fact that it isn't fiction. There are a number of echoes of 9/11 in this retelling, including victims jumping from upper story windows in a bid to escape the disaster. Very highly recommended.