The Great Quake Debate

The Crusader, the Skeptic, and the Rise of Modern Seismology

By: Susan Hough

Narrated by: Cynthia Wallace

In the first half of the 20th century, when seismology was still in in its infancy, renowned geologist Bailey Willis faced off with fellow high-profile scientist Robert T. Hill in a debate with life-or-death consequences for the millions of people migrating west. Their conflict centered on a consequential question: Is Southern California earthquake country?

These entwined biographies of Hill and Willis offer a lively, accessible account of the ways that politics and financial interests influenced the development of earthquake science. During this period of debate, severe quakes in Santa Barbara (1925) and Long Beach (1933) caused scores of deaths and a significant amount of damage, offering turning points for scientific knowledge and mainstreaming the idea of earthquake safety.

The Great Quake Debate sheds light on enduring questions surrounding the environmental hazards of our dynamic planet. What challenges face scientists bearing bad news in the public arena? How do we balance risk and the need to sustain communities and cities? And how well has California come to grips with its many faults?

The book is published by University of Washington Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

©2020 University of Washington (P)2022 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

“Offers a revealing glimpse of the personalities and issues within America's geologic community in the early 20th century.” (Natural History Magazine)

“Hough presents a well-researched narrative.... Interesting read, tracing the history of this seismic and scientific debate.” (Choice)