The Johnstown Flood Audiobook [Free Download by Trial]

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The Johnstown Flood by David McCullough

The readers can download The Johnstown Flood Audiobook for free via Audible Free Trial.


Summary

FROM THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF JOHN ADAMS At the end of the last century, Johnstown, Pennsylvania was a booming coal-and-steel town filled with hardworking families striving for a piece of the nation's burgeoning industrial prosperity. In the mountains above Johnstown, an old earth dam had been hastily rebuilt to create a lake for an exclusive summer resort patronized by the tycoons of that same industrial prosperity, among them Andrew Carnegie, Henry Clay Frick, and Andrew Mellon. Despite repeated warnings of possible danger, nothing was done about the dam. Then came May 31, 1889, when the dam burst, sending a wall of water thundering down the mountain, smashing through Johnstown, and killing more than 2,000 people. It was a tragedy that became a national scandal. Graced by David McCullough's remarkable gift for writing richly textured, sympathetic social history, The Johnstown Flood is an absorbing portrait of life in nineteenth-century America, of overweening confidence, of energy, and of tragedy. This is a powerful historical lesson for our century and all times: the danger of assuming that because people are in positions of responsibility they are behaving responsibly.

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7 comments

  • I had this audiobook sitting in my library for a while, and for some reason, I kept putting off listening to it. But eventually, I thought, "Why not give it a shot?" And boy, was I blown away! It was absolutely amazing! Now I'm craving more books by David McCullough, and Edward Hermann's narration was spot-on. I can't thank them enough for this captivating story and the fascinating historical insights it provided.
  • Once again, David McCullough has knocked it out of the park. He has managed to weave a captivating narrative around the Johnstown Flood, a truly monumental tragedy. Hermann's narration is spot-on, effectively propelling the story forward. Personally, I was particularly engrossed by the accounts of the aftermath of the flood and the intriguing myths that emerged in the years that followed. I can't recommend this audiobook enough.
  • I'm a huge fan of David McCullough's works, and "The Johnstown Flood" is definitely no exception. It's truly heartbreaking to think that such a devastating disaster could have been prevented. Sadly, that wasn't the case, and McCullough beautifully sheds light on the voices of those who perished in the flood and those who endured its aftermath. What I really admire about his writing is how he weaves together personal accounts from survivors, creating a cohesive timeline that brings the story to life. It's important not to forget history, as it teaches us valuable lessons for a brighter future.
  • After going through some of the reviews and reading the summary, I was expecting a raw and personal account of the human tragedy, bravery, and resilience in the face of a natural calamity. This book had the potential to truly immerse readers in the lives of those who lost their lives or survived the devastating flood that engulfed Johnstown on that fateful day. Unfortunately, that wasn't quite the case. While the book does provide a wealth of facts and intriguing information about the event and the preceding days, the narratives of the survivors come across as more of a documentary-style delivery. It falls short in delivering that human connection we crave - there's no captivating story within a story here, just straightforward and comprehensive testimonies as recalled by different individuals. It's not terrible by any means - in fact, it's far more engaging than your average textbook - but it does feel a bit lacking in emotional depth.
  • The way this book is written and narrated truly immerses you in the midst of the devastating flood. It's incredibly descriptive and evokes intense emotions. Moreover, it offers valuable insights into the social divisions, powerful bankers, and overall atmosphere of that era.
  • I highly recommend this audiobook to everyone out there. The personal accounts of those who experienced the Johnstown Flood really captivate you and draw you into their stories. The narrative itself unfolds in such a compelling way that it rivals even the most gripping works of fiction. The narrator does an exceptional job, making this one of those rare books that are truly meant to be listened to rather than read. As someone who endured Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath while living in New Orleans, I found this book to be particularly significant on various levels. It resonated deeply with my own experiences. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I intend to purchase a physical copy as well. (Just to clarify, although it says I'm in California, that's just our mailing address. The postal service is still in disarray here in New Orleans. We have all our mail directed to California and then forwarded to us via UPS, which actually functions efficiently).
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