Disasters and Tragic Events: An Encyclopedia of Catastrophes in American History [2 volumes]
Publishing Details
Disasters and Tragic Events: An Encyclopedia of Catastrophes in American History [2 volumes]
By (Author) Mitchell Newton-Matza
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
ABC-CLIO
26th March 2014
United States
Classifications
Tertiary Education
Non Fiction
Social impact of disasters / accidents (natural or man-made)
Reference works
363.340973
Physical Properties
Contains 2 hardbacks
Width 7mm, Height 10mm
2126g
Description
From the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 to the Sandy Hook school massacre of 2012, this two-volume encyclopedia surveys tragic eventsnatural and man-made, famous and forgottenthat helped shape American history. Tragedies and disasters have always been part of the fabric of American history. Some gave rise to reactions that profoundly influenced the nation. Others dominated public consciousness for a moment, then disappeared from collective memory. Organized chronologically, Disasters and Tragic Events examines these moments, covering both the familiar and the obscure and probing their immediate and long-term effects. Unlike other works that concentrate on a particular type of disaster, for example, weather- or medicine-related tragedies, this two-volume encyclopedia has no such limits. Its entries range from natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, to civic disturbances, environmental disasters, epidemics and medical errors, transportation accidents, and more. The work is a perfect supplement for history classes and will also prove of great interest to the general reader.
Reviews
Both the methodology and the writing are consistent throughout. Topics, though heavily slanted toward the 20th century, encompass a diversity of interests. * Booklist *
This well-written, well-researched, and thorough resource is an excellent introduction to its topic. Recommended. * Choice *
Each entry is thoughtful and written with insight into the connectivity of these events with other historical events. Numerous references throughout both volumes boost the teaching value of this publication, and the formatting makes it a pleasure to use as a handy reference guide. * Reference Reviews *
Author Bio
Mitchell Newton-Matza, PhD, is instructor of history at Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus. His previous book with ABC-CLIO is Jazz Age: People and Perspectives.
