Review of A Crack in the Edge of the World, Simon Winchester (2005)

English geologist writes about the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906.  It's a good subject written by one with a passion for the study of the impact of natural processes on humans and human institutions.  The writer reminds me somewhat of David Halberstam in how he approaches his subject, getting at it from every angle (although, as a Brit, he can't write as well as the American Halberstam).  James, read this one.  This is a twofer: you'll get history and science.