THE CIRCUS FIRE

Hardback. The author vividly recounts the tragic Hartford circus fire of July 6, 1944, when a Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey big top, waterproofed with paraffin and petrol, ignited during a performance, trapping over 8,000 people. The blaze, of unknown origin, killed 167, mostly women and children, and injured hundreds. Drawing on survivor interviews, he details the chaos, heroism, and horror: a boy cutting an escape hole, a man saving children before being trampled. The narrative explores human behaviour under stress, the war-time context of shorthanded staff, and the aftermath, including investigations, compensation battles, and the mystery of “Little Miss 1565,” an unidentified victim. The author's meticulous research and evocative prose create a compelling, heart-breaking history of a disaster that forever scarred Hartford, Connecticut. Illus. in text throughout, eps illus. in colour. 370pp. lge. 8vo. h/back. F. in F. dw. A fairly heavy book which may require additional postage if shipped overseas.