Helpful Score: 4
This is a fascinating look at the conditions that people worked (and died) in in the early 1900's. This fire also was a catalyst for change in the laws that protect workers and fire code laws. It is written in a way that keeps your attention, and makes you relive the horror of a tragedy that could have been avoided.
Helpful Score: 3
Well written history of one of the worst workplace disasters in our history plus an interesting look at life in the early 1900's.
Helpful Score: 3
I found the subject of the book to be very interesting, but much of the content was a bit dry.
Helpful Score: 3
Fascinating account of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire: how it happened, its implications for labour practises afterward. A compelling argument for the necessity of unions, and against unregulated corporate activity.
Helpful Score: 3
The writing was certainly engaging in parts, but on the whole, I thought the book contained too much "back story" information about the rise of unions, socialism, and urban liberalism in early 20th century New York.
The courtroom chapter is particularly powerful and depicts some pretty nasty motives on the part of the defense lawyer. The parts about the fire, itself, were a little difficult to read - they're very, very graphic. Not your best non-fiction read, but a worthy tribute to those who perished in this horrible tragedy.
The courtroom chapter is particularly powerful and depicts some pretty nasty motives on the part of the defense lawyer. The parts about the fire, itself, were a little difficult to read - they're very, very graphic. Not your best non-fiction read, but a worthy tribute to those who perished in this horrible tragedy.
