Great disasters

Presents eleven articles on hurricanes by witnesses, journalists, and scientists, and provides the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Intensity Scale, lists of the most deadly Atlantic and U.S. hurricanes, a glossary, and a further reading list.

Discusses the disaster that destroyed the space shuttle Challenger, the history and possible future of space shuttles, and other aspects of such vehicles.

A collection of first-hand accounts of some of the most destructive floods in history.

Presents a historical, partly fictional, account of the Great Fire of London in 1666, describing the origins, fire fighting methods, effects on people, and rebuilding efforts. Contrasts London then and the city now in the areas of population, housing and world trade.

Contains accounts from journalists and witnesses on the science and study of fires, famous fire disasters, and fire prevention and damage control efforts.

Describes the the eruption of the volcanic mountain of Krakatoa, west of the island of Java in 1883. Discusses the cultural history and daily life of the island's peoples, the buildup of the volcano, and life on the island today.

Examines the origins, spread, and effects of the bubonic plague in fourteenth-century England and Europe, as well as the later discovery of its cause and cure.

Contains twelve essays and documents that provide information about various aspects of epidemics, examining the science of epidemics, looking at five devastating plagues, and discussing prevention and control.

Contains eleven essays that provide information about various aspects of tsunamis, destructive waves caused by earthquakes, volcanoes, or other disruptions in the seafloor, discussing the science and study of tsunamis, looking at four tsunami disasters, and examining efforts to predict and reduce the risk of tsunamis.