The Great Chicago Fire and the myth of Mrs. O'Leary's cow / by Richard F. Bales ; foreword by Thomas F. Schwartz.

Author/creator Bales, Richard F., 1951-
Format Book
Publication InfoJefferson, N.C. : McFarland, ©2002.
Descriptionxii, 338 pages : illustrations, maps ; 27 cm
Subjects
Great Fire, Chicago, Ill., 1871.
Chicago (Ill.)--History. --To 1875.

Contents A city on fire -- The exoneration of Mrs. O'Leary -- Debunking other myths -- The real cause -- The inquiry--charade or coverup? -- Mrs. O'Leary's legacy -- Afterword -- Questions, mysteries, and controversies -- Behind the conclusions -- "How it originated"--the McDermott letter and the O'Leary and Sullivan affidavits -- Selections from the transcript of the inquiry into the cause of the Chicago Fire and actions of the fire department -- "After the inquiry"--The December 12, 1871, Report of the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners -- Sources consulted for photographs, drawings, and diagrams.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references (p. 302-333) and index.
LCCN 2002010361
ISBN0786414243 (ill. case binding : alk. paper)