FIREFIGHTING, Jack Gottschalk, 2002
Firefighting explores the role of firefighting in human history while chronicling the world's most famous fires.
An innovative, vividly illustrated chronicle of humankind's struggle to subdue nature's most primal and destructive force - from Rome in 64 AD to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Firefighting examines history's most formidable fires, showing how each influenced the evolution of firefighting technology, equipment, and tactics.
Following today's firefighters as they prepare to meet the challenges of tomorrow's fires, no other book has explored the role of the firefighter in human society-past, present, and future quite like Firefighting.
This is an excellent book for children to learn more about firefighting--both about the history and modern techniques and equipment. It's detailed without being overly graphic. It is chockful of beautiful photographs that clearly show what words cannot describe.
Of particular interest are the case studies of various famous fires (mostly in the U.S.) throughout history, their causes, the destruction wreaked, and effects on firefighting efforts. This is especially interesting in the context of the development of firefighting techniques as we get to see just how much has had to happen to get to where we are today - and in some cases, how much further we have to go.
A portion of the proceeds of this book will benefit the FDNY Uniformed Firefighter's Association Widow's and Childrens Fund. The UFA's address is 204 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jack Gottschalk is a consultant and lawyer who has held management positions andhas served for many years as a licensed fire investigator. He is well versed in all facets of fire prevention, detection, and analysis. As a historian of firefighting, Gottschalk has contributed numerous articles to newspapers and journals, and he maintains close ties with firefighting agencies and training centers.
10" x 12 1/4", 160 pages, color and B&W photos and illustrations, hardcover, ISBN: 0-7894-8909-0, BF5691 / $30.00