August 26, 2014
Media advisory - Tri-State Tornado book
Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to attend a book signing by Geoff Partlow, author of “America’s Deadliest Twister: The Tri-State Tornado of 1925,” on Thursday, Aug. 28, at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 1300 E. Main St., Carbondale. The book signing begins at 5 p.m.
Published by SIU Press in July, the book draws on survivor interviews, public records and newspaper archives to tell the story of a tornado that devastated parts of Southern Illinois, along with portions of southeast Missouri and southwestern Indiana. Partlow, a former Southern Illinois resident for more than 40 years, now lives in Hilton Head Island, S.C. A “lifelong fascination with tornados” inspired the book, fueled by a first-hand account told to him by an acquaintance who survived the twister. The tornado was on the ground for 219 miles, generating wind speeds in excess of 300 mph and killing 695 people. The book also examines recovery and disaster relief efforts, along with the lasting social and economic impact and technological firsts the tragedy brought.
SIU Press is the book-publishing arm of the Southern Illinois University system and acts to expand the university’s presence in ongoing scholarly dialogue. SIU Press publishes books of regional history and interest in fulfillment of part of its mission.