"Rising Tide" is much more than the story of the great Mississippi flood of 1927, which is fascinating in itself. It covers the engineering debates of the 1850's and how decisions made then resulted in the Katrina disaster in New Orleans. As usual, power politics and the arrogance and egos of individuals were contributing factors.
However, the flood was only part of the story. John M. Barry covers the politics of racism in the south and how one powerful family tried to improve the standard of living of blacks in the Mississippi Delta.
Wikipedia's account of the flood.
Patsy R. Brumfield has a southerner's take on the book. I agree with her in that the book is as much about the Mississippi delta and its history.
However, the flood was only part of the story. John M. Barry covers the politics of racism in the south and how one powerful family tried to improve the standard of living of blacks in the Mississippi Delta.
Wikipedia's account of the flood.
Patsy R. Brumfield has a southerner's take on the book. I agree with her in that the book is as much about the Mississippi delta and its history.
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