The Great Quake - by Henry Fountain (Paperback)

The Great Quake by Henry Fountain is a gripping scientific detective story that takes readers on an unforgettable journey through one of North America's worst natural disasters.

In 1964, a magnitude 9.2 earthquake struck Alaska, devastating the southern half of the state and killing over 130 people.

George Plafker, a geologist with the U.S.

Geological Survey, arrived to investigate, and his groundbreaking work helped confirm the controversial theory of plate tectonics.

Fountain's book combines history and science in vivid detail, revealing how the earthquake left its mark on the land and its people--and on science.

With deep reporting from Alaska, often in the company of Plafker, Fountain shows how the quake reshaped our understanding of the planet and its power.

This is an elegant showcase of how scientific progress can lead to groundbreaking discoveries, and a reminder of the startling historical consequences of North America's largest known earthquake.

Don't miss out on this fascinating tale of nature's brute force and human resilience.