38 pages • 1 hour read
David McCulloughThe Johnstown Flood
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1968A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.