Explores the phenomenon through which people become resourceful and altruistic after a disaster and communities reflect a shared sense of purpose, analyzing events ranging from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake to Hurricane Katrina.

Originally published: New York : Viking, 2009.

Prelude : falling together -- A millennial good fellowship : the San Francisco earthquake -- Halifax to Hollywood : the great debate -- Carnival and revolution : Mexico City's earthquake -- The city transfigured : New York in grief and glory -- New Orleans : common grounds and killers -- Epilogue : the doorway in the ruins.