David Von Drehle's Triangle has been praised for its detailed and compelling narrative about the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Reviewers commend the extensive research and emotional depth that brings historical events to life. However, some criticize the heavy focus on background details, which occasionally detracts from the main story. Overall, it’s a well-rounded historical account.

A reader who would enjoy Triangle by David Von Drehle is likely a history enthusiast with an interest in early 20th-century American labor movements and industrial disasters. Comparable to The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, this book appeals to those who appreciate well-researched, narrative-driven accounts of historical events.

Triangle: The Fire That Changed America by David Von Drehle recounts the harrowing 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire that claimed 146 lives, primarily young immigrant women, and explores its broader social and political ramifications, highlighting themes such as immigrant labor's role in economic development, the impact of industrialization on labor conditions, and how tragedy can spur social reform. The book includes sensitive descriptions of workplace hazards and fatalities.

Informative / Dark / Melancholic / Mysterious

- The book Triangle by David Von Drehle delves into the notorious Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, one of the deadliest industrial disasters in U.S. history, which sparked crucial labor reforms and safety regulations.
- David Von Drehle's extensive research for Triangle involved examining over 1,000 pages of transcripts from the New York public hearings, offering a comprehensive account of the disaster's impact on the labor movement.
- Triangle not only covers the tragic event itself but also explores the broader social and political changes of the early 20th century, highlighting how the fire served as a catalyst for significant labor reforms.

**David Von Drehle**  
A journalist and author born in Denver, Colorado, known for his books on historical events and issues, including his examination of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York's garment industry.

**Max Blanck and Isaac Harris**  
Owners of the Triangle Shirtwaist Company, which became a major player in New York's garment industry; they faced legal challenges following the tragic factory fire in 1911.

**Clara Lemlich**  
An immigrant labor activist who played a crucial role in organizing garment workers and was a central figure in the 1909 general strike of shirtwaist makers.

**Charles F. Murphy**  
The influential boss of New York's Tammany Hall, who was known for transforming its image and helping to implement progressive policies in the early 20th century.

**Frances Perkins**  
The first female U.S. secretary of labor, she was a passionate advocate for workers' rights and witnessed the Triangle fire, which deepened her commitment to workplace safety reforms.

**Alfred E. Smith**  
A prominent New York Democratic politician and four-term governor, he was instrumental in progressive reform efforts after the Triangle fire.

**Robert F. Wagner**  
A United States senator from New York and a key figure in labor reform, he helped lead the investigations and subsequent reforms following the Triangle fire.

**Charles Whitman**  
New York's district attorney at the time of the Triangle fire, he sought justice by pursuing charges against the factory's owners after the tragedy.

**Max Steuer**  
A skilled defense attorney in New York, he successfully defended the Triangle factory owners against manslaughter charges following the 1911 fire.

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Triangle: The Fire That Changed America

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