Thursday, July 07, 2011

Earthquake: Christchurch, New Zealand 22 February, 2011

 In response to the September 2010 earthquake, The Press and Random House produced The Big Quake, and donated $200,000 from the proceeds to the people of Christchurch through the Red Cross Canterbury Appeal. The Press and Random House hope to help Christchurch again with Earthquake: Christchurch, New Zealand, 22 February 2011.

On February 22, 2011, a powerful earthquake struck Christchurch. The devastation that followed was unimaginable to many living in this small country.

‘Ten kilometres below the Port Hills, some rock shifted . . . only a metre or two . . . But the shift released substantial quantities of energy. Twenty seconds later that energy had changed the course of maybe half a million human lives. For many this change of course was a minor swerve. For others it was drastic, a fierce wrench of the wheel. And for a couple of hundred it was the end of the road. They were dead.’

The book presents the stories of the people of Christchurch through the lens and pens of Press staffers who were themselves caught up in the destruction caused by the magnitude 6.3 earthquake.

This powerful and moving book has been written by a number of Press staffers and illustrated with striking images taken by the Press team. The book begins with a poignant preface by Lyttelton-based author and columnist Joe Bennett. Included with the book is a DVD that features footage taken just 10 minutes after the quake, many personal stories, plus the incredible footage that played at the emotional Day of Remembrance service in Hagley Park.

As well as chronicling the shocking scenes of devastation, this book acts as a celebration of the resilience of the people of Christchurch, who at the time of the February earthquake were still struggling to come to terms with the damage done by the previous September’s earthquake. It contains harrowing stories of loss and suffering, but also details the amazing tales of kindness and dedication displayed by those people who spent the following days and now months helping in various ways to try and clean up the city and help people in need.

Earthquake looks into the science behind the earthquake, covers the quake itself and the immediate aftermath, and looks forward with hope to the recovery and rebuilding of the city.
Contains a list of all 182 victims of the quake.

Random House - $39.99

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