The Great Halifax Explosion by John U. Bacon

   With "The Great Halifax Explosion" John Bacon has given us an in-depth look at a little known, but violent, flash of early 20th century history.

   On December 6, 1917, a French freighter that had left New York City with over 3,000 tons of TNT on board, along with other explosives, was involved in a collision with another ship in the harbor of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The freighter would catch fire, then explode. In 1/15 of second, 325 acres were flattened, 11,000 people became casualties, and over 25,000 residents were left homeless. It was the largest explosion against mankind ever recorded, outside of the atomic blasts that ended World War II. A tsunami would follow the explosion, and on the heels of the massive destruction, a major snowstorm would hit, adding misery to those affected by the blast.
   Bacon does a masterful job describing the event and many of its participants. He places the explosion in its proper framework along with the destruction that was taking place during World War I. He also explores how the incident would improve Canadian/US relations, particularly with residents of the city of Boston.
   This major event in North American history is little-known today, but "The Great Halifax Explosion" should go a long way toward enlightening its 21st century audience. The book is well written and a fast read as Bacon works well is presenting both his subjects and the overall situation.