Bulletin of the American Geographical Society/Volume 39/Review: Some Cities and San Francisco and Resurgam

Some Cities and San Francisco and Resurgam. By Hubert Howe Bancroft. 64 pp. The Bancroft Company, New York, 1907. (Price, 50c.)

A brief treatment of many cities, showing especially how great fires have tended to bring about improvement in their rebuilding and adornment and have often been blessings in disguise. After the Great Fire of 1666 London was rebuilt better than before, in three and a half years. But for purifying fires Constantinople would still have only narrow, filthy streets. Glasgow is practically modern, having been several times renovated by fire. Mr. Bancroft sketches the beginning of San Francisco, "which a merciful Providence has five times burned, the original shacks and their successors, the last time thoroughly, giving the inhabitants the opportunity to build something better." The author presents his views at length as to what the new-risen San Francisco should be, now that the ground has been cleared from obstructions.