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Isaac's Storm summary
A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History
28 mins
Brief summary
Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson is a historical non-fiction book that recounts the tragedy of the 1900 hurricane in Galveston, Texas. It presents the story of Isaac Cline, one of the US pioneers in meteorology, and how his hubris and lack of preparedness resulted in the worst natural disaster in US history.
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Isaac's Storm
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Isaac Cline quickly rose through the ranks of the Weather Bureau to run the Galveston, Texas office.
The federal Weather Bureau started through an act of Congress in 1870. At that time it was called the Signal Corps, and its purpose was to not only provide detailed weather reports on the interior, but also for outer territories that served as bases of military operations or trade destinations.
However, by 1882, there were problems. The chief financial manager got caught embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars, employees were found to be making up forecasts, getting drunk, and using their offices for a variety of extracurricular activities. It was a mess. What the company needed was smart, diligent employees. People like Isaac Cline.
The key message here is: Isaac Cline quickly rose through the ranks of the Weather Bureau to run the Galveston, Texas office.
Isaac grew up in Monroe County, Tennessee, a land where tornadoes and summer lightning storms offered dangerous, mysterious, and exciting displays of weather’s awesome power. Isaac always had a focus to his studies, and later his career. So when the Signal Corps sent letters to colleges, seeking potential candidates to help fill its ranks, Isaac was recommended by no less than the president of his college.
Indeed, Isaac had a keen scientific mind and was a perfect match for the Weather Bureau. He arrived for duty in Washington, D.C., on July 6, 1882, and later wrote, “. . . it was just the kind of work I wanted.” Isaac trained at Fort Myer, where he learned the telegraph code that agents used to send information around the country.
For example, “Paul diction sunk Johnson imbue hersal.” These six words actually meant: “St. Paul 29.26 inches barometric pressure, -4 degrees temperature, wind six miles per hour, maximum temperature 10 degrees, dewpoint -18 degrees. This observation was at 8:00 p.m. and the local prediction called for fair weather.”
Isaac learned this coded language, how to use and read weather monitoring equipment, and also how to send messages through the use of flags, torches, and the light and mirror technique known as heliography. He was a rising star, and was soon tasked with helping to train new recruits. He kept a tidy workstation and even found spare time to go to medical school, from which he graduated in 1885. And by 1889, he was married, with a daughter.
In other words, he was a perfect agent. A shining example of the best the Signal Corps had to offer. The kind of agent who could help the program move past the scandals and bad reputation that had been dogging it for years. So, in 1889, Isaac was put in charge of the struggling bureau station in Galveston, Texas.
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What is Isaac's Storm about?
Isaac’s Storm (1999) is a gripping account of the hurricane that devastated Galveston, Texas on September 8, 1900. Just as Galveston was becoming a world-class city, a storm arrived with little warning and crushed many of the community’s hopes and ambitions.
Isaac's Storm Review
Isaac's Storm (1999) vividly recounts the devastating hurricane that struck Galveston, Texas in 1900. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- Through meticulous research and detailed storytelling, it transports readers back in time to experience the destructive power of the storm firsthand.
- The book provides a compelling narrative that combines personal stories, meteorological science, and historical context, making it a captivating read.
- With its gripping storytelling and the human drama within, it captures the tragedy and resilience of the people affected by the storm, making it far from boring.
Best quote from Isaac's Storm
This is the story of Isaac and his time in America… when the hubris of men led them to believe they could disregard even nature itself.
—Erik Larson
Who should read Isaac's Storm?
- Anyone moved by the indomitable power of nature
- Fans of historical nonfiction
- Storm chasers
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Isaac's Storm FAQs
What is the main message of Isaac's Storm?
The main message of Isaac's Storm is the devastating power of nature and the human capacity for resilience.
How long does it take to read Isaac's Storm?
The estimated reading time for Isaac's Storm varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Isaac's Storm a good book? Is it worth reading?
Isaac's Storm is a gripping and informative read. It offers a unique perspective on the great Galveston hurricane of 1900 and its impact on the city and its inhabitants.
Who is the author of Isaac's Storm?
The author of Isaac's Storm is Erik Larson.
What to read after Isaac's Storm?
If you're wondering what to read next after Isaac's Storm, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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