'The San Francisco Calamity by Earthquake and Fire' is a historical account of the devastating events that struck San Francisco and the Pacific Coast. The book describes the reign of panic and lawlessness that followed the earthquake and fire, the plight of 300,000 homeless people, and the worldwide rush to their rescue. This tragic event brought together a hideous quartet of destroyers—earthquake, famine, fire, and sudden death—that slayed human beings, blotted out the wealth of the city, and brought hunger and misery to its people. Through this account, we are reminded of our own relative insignificance and the fearsome power of nature.