38 pages • 1 hour read
The Johnstown Flood
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Book Brief
302
Book • Nonfiction
Johnstown, Pennsylvania • 1880s
1968
Adult
13-18 years
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.
Informative
Dark
Unnerving
Melancholic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
27,153 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
27,153 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
302
Book • Nonfiction
Johnstown, Pennsylvania • 1880s
1968
Adult
13-18 years
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