46 pages • 1 hour read
Triangle: The Fire That Changed America
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Book Brief
340
Book • Nonfiction
New York City • 1910s
2003
Adult
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
Triangle: The Fire That Changed America by David Von Drehle recounts the harrowing 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire that claimed 146 lives, primarily young immigrant women, and explores its broader social and political ramifications, highlighting themes such as immigrant labor's role in economic development, the impact of industrialization on labor conditions, and how tragedy can spur social reform. The book includes sensitive descriptions of workplace hazards and fatalities.
Informative
Dark
Melancholic
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
David Von Drehle's Triangle has been praised for its detailed and compelling narrative about the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Reviewers commend the extensive research and emotional depth that brings historical events to life. However, some criticize the heavy focus on background details, which occasionally detracts from the main story. Overall, it’s a well-rounded historical account.
Who Should Read Triangle?
A reader who would enjoy Triangle by David Von Drehle is likely a history enthusiast with an interest in early 20th-century American labor movements and industrial disasters. Comparable to The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, this book appeals to those who appreciate well-researched, narrative-driven accounts of historical events.
340
Book • Nonfiction
New York City • 1910s
2003
Adult
14-18 years
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