Unleashed by ancient geologic forces, a magnitude 8.25 earthquake rocked San Francisco in the early hours of April 18, 1906. Less than a minute later, the city lay in ruins. Bestselling author Simon Winchester brings his inimitable storytelling abilities to this extraordinary event, exploring the legendary earthquake and fires that spread horror across San Francisco and northern California in 1906 as well as its startling impact on American history and, just as important, what science has recently revealed about the fascinating subterranean processes that produced it—and almost certainly will cause it to strike again. “Spectacularly researched and soberly written . . . a grand tour of the world’s tectonic plates and the major seismic events through the ages.” - Forbes “A Crack in the Edge of the World may be the most gripping account of a temblor ever written.” - Outside magazine “Winchester could probably write circles around most writers on the planet. . . . Adelightfully breezy account of a horrific tragedy . . . that puts the fatal crack―the San Andreas Fault―in a proper global perspective.” - San Francisco Chronicle Book Review “A magnificent testament to the power of planet Earth and the efforts of humankind to understand her. A master storyteller and Oxford-trained geologist, Winchester effortlessly weaves together countless threads of interest, making a powerfully compelling narrative. . . . With fabulous style, wit, and grace, Winchester casts doubt on the very notion of solid ground and invites the reader to ponder the planet they live on, from both inside and out.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review) “A Crack in the Edge of the World serves both as a warning and an inspiring tale of human perseverance.” - People (Four Stars) “Entertaining . . . Vivid . . . Memorable . . . Winchester [is] a lyrical writer and an indefatigable researcher.” - Newsweek Unleashed by ancient geologic forces, a magnitude 8.25 earthquake rocked San Francisco in the early hours of April 18, 1906. Less than a minute later, the city lay in ruins. Bestselling author Simon Winchester brings his inimitable storytelling abilities to this extraordinary event, exploring the legendary earthquake and fires that spread horror across San Francisco and northern California in 1906 as well as its startling impact on American history and, just as important, what science has recently revealed about the fascinating subterranean processes that produced it—and almost certainly will cause it to strike again. Simon Winchester is the acclaimed author of many books, including The Professor and the Madman, The Men Who United the States, The Map That Changed the World, The Man Who Loved China, A Crack in the Edge of the World, and Krakatoa, all of which were New York Times bestsellers and appeared on numerous best and notable lists. In 2006, Winchester was made an officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Her Majesty the Queen. He resides in western Massachusetts.