THE GREAT FIRE

The burning of Chicago in 1871 is one of the great legends of American history. Like its counterpart in seventeenth-century London, it has become imbued with invention. Murphy removes the tale of Mrs. O'Leary's cow, giving us more substantial fare. Hearing about the inception of the blaze, the conditions that fostered it, the incompetence allowing its spread and the plight of individuals is far more stimulating than an overturned lantern. History isn't glamorous, but it can be exciting. Unfortunately, Murphy's text sometimes suffers from a dryness that McDonough is unable to counteract. Still, he reads smoothly, letting his audience enjoy the true episodes behind the great myth. S.B.S. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 00]