Maclean's done it again, only this time he's done it better. His first book, FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN, was and still is a popular book with wildland firefighters. This one, though, will be a must-own for the summer army of boots-and-nomex firefighters -- and will surely be assigned as mandatory reading in many a fire training course. The collection of stories in FIRE AND ASHES proves up both Maclean's dogged pursuit of history and his determined focus on accuracy gained from 30 years in journalism. Covering many thousands of miles, dozens of interviews, and with painstaking attention to detail in his writing, Maclean has crafted a book that puts his readers out on the fireline. Unlike many authors who try to write about wildfire, Maclean makes no lame allowances for readers unfamiliar with the language and culture of the firefighter. He just explains it for them. His recounting of the 1999 Sadler incident -- in retrospect a problematic compilation of small "oops" decisions that resulted in near-disaster -- is a chilling read when one considers how close it came to being a disaster like South Canyon. His "Short History of Wildland Fire" and glossary of fire terms will be a go-to resource for firefighters -- structural and wildland both -- and for anyone curious enough to read about or write about fire. It's Maclean's reconstruction of the 1953 Rattlesnake Fire, though, that stands as the highlight of the book. It's a can't-put-down story that's finally been accurately researched and told (and illustrated), about a fire that's been a benchmark for safety lessons and fire behavior training for 50 years. Young men and women in fire camps across the West -- and the older ones too -- will be packing this book along in their red bags this summer, and well they should.

This book is out of print, and it's a shame. It's a wonderful book, containing information and a point of view that more readers, specifically American readers, ought to know. It's a history of civilization from the point of view of humanity's control of fire. It's a social and cultural history of our control of fire. It tells the story of how fire has shaped us, our civiliation--you know, the story of civilization is pretty much the story of our relationship to fire, from the first groups of hominids gathering around the fire to cook (the thing that distinguishes us from other animals, says Levi Strauss) through our use of fossil fuel in the industrial revolution to our "control" of nuclear fusion today. Goudsblom talks about both the literal and symbolic role that our relationship to fire has played in our civilization--how that relationship has shaped the landscapes we inhabit, the cities we construct, the religions and philosophies we build. His book is a stellar (well, 5-stellar) example of a kind of history I love, and which we're seeing more and more of these days: it's a classic, thematic, interdisciplinary history that tells a fascinating story. It isn't for wimps--Goudsblom is Dutch, and there's a European sense of literate intellect in what he's doing, which means he doesn't talk down to you or sugar coat anything or simplify it. But he's also not one of those g- d- Intellectuals who's more interested in elaborating some airy conceptual scheme at the expense of readerly understanding. He's smart, and reading this book will make you smart too, about all kinds of things. Most Americans, god protect us, are remarkably parochial in their understanding. We ought to know more about nature, about our cultural roots. This book offers both kinds of understanding. I think it should be in print. Maybe if you buy a copy used, some publisher somewhere will notice.

Don't let the 1988 date deter your interest. This book is as current today as when it was written. Not only does it expertly cover every aspect of firemen's oral interviews, it has unique illustrations! Gene Mahoney guides you through step-by-step information and tips, giving you knowledge and confidence.

This is a great book, written not from a journalistic point of view nor from an official point of view, but from that of somebody who was a fire boss for over a decade on the Grand Canyon's North Rim fire crew. Written as fiction, although it is based on actual events with only the names changed. Edward Abbey, who worked in a fire tower on the North Rim for a couple of seasons, makes a thinly-disguised cameo appearance here as "Abner". Effectively captures the work, the culture, and the humor of forest firefighters in a way that no other book I've read has. If you're at all interested in the subject I'd recommend picking this up.

This book is written with a style that allows even for most "unfamiliar readers" to understand this topic. This author is very descriptive and well verbosed. I strongly recommend this book.

Informative book on the tradgedies of FIRE. This book is interesting in that it touches on many different fires from our past and gives important information on each, without being boring. Great pictures and lots of details of who, what, where and when.

This book is written in such a way that you can pick it up at any time and spend as much time as you have, and still feel like you have learned something and been part of it.

This book was so good it was better than eating fudge in the shade of a poplar tree on a hot summer day. Mmmm

I love the relationship that develops between Morgan and Prudence. I laughed and cried and enjoyed the passion. Great cover!

I used this book for my First Amendment course and it was very sharp. It has the best selection of cases with very good and challenging notes. I believe Prof. Van Alstyne is the best authority in the subject.

After reading histories of everything from tulips to clocks and sugar cane to fish it was a huge relief to find this book.

Lucid, intelligent, well paced - I learned more about myself and the world I live in than anything else I have read in a very long time.

Anyone interested in what it means to be human should buy and read this well written, beautifully constructed and erudite (but very readable) book

I have already given my copy away to someone else and will not begrudge having to buy another copy for myself.