Mr. Cowan and Mr. Kuenster have collaborated to produce a book that covers in significant detail the events of December 1, 1958 at Our Lady of the Angels. They relate what happened, minute by minute, in each of the six north wing classrooms most heavily affected by the fire. Much of the story is told through the eyes of children who experienced it and lived to tell, as well as family members of victims, firefighters and clergy. They reveal how the first fire department units were incorrectly directed to the Rectory around the corner from the school, costing valuable minutes. They explain why so many lives were lost, and why students and teachers had virtually no warning that a disaster was about to befall them. They tell the story of the 13-year-old boy who in 1962 confessed to setting the Our Lady of the Angels school fire, how he came to make this confession, and why he recanted it later in court. They confirm what many have always believed, that the school Janitor, James Raymond, not only was not responsible for the fire, but was a hero who saved dozens of children from certain death. They show the impact the fire had on clergy, the Chicago Archdiocese, the City of Chicago and Mayor Daley's administration, the firefighters and families whose children were killed or injured - and the nation.

This is a superb book - a heartbreaking story, told tastefully yet unflinchingly. It really drives home the importance of fire safety - especially, of course, in schools. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!