In my very first meeting with Melvin Wade to interview him for an article in the Chester Spotlight, the very first thing he asked me was if I had read ‘Beyond the Flames’, as he held a copy in his hands. He then turned to pages 48 and 49 to show me a table listing all the companies that contributed to the waste that ended up on his property.
That first interview turned into many more meetings with Wade. His story was so intriguing that I wrote ‘Black Industrialist - The Melvin Wade Story’. In that book, there are a few references to ‘Beyond the Flames’ and several readers have asked me where they can purchase that book. Until recently, I thought it was out of print but it’s been brought to my attention that the book is back in print.
I understand the book was reprinted for a fund raiser. I assume the Toxic Fire of 78 committee are involved but my email to the last address I had for them has not be responded to.
I’ll put this book on the Books on Chester PA page if someone can provide contact information for purchasing.
Thanks
Looks like I did have the right email address. A limited amount of books are available by calling 302.535.3742. They request that the book not be offered for sale on this site. Search the web on Beyond the Flames and find the book online...minus the list of 52 companies.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I have been hoping to get a copy of the book to read since I have read yours. Hopefully, this book will provide better reading. It will finish out my summer reading list.
ReplyDeleteI was able to purchase the book through the phone number you listed for the Memorial Committee. I had no problems in purchasing the book. People from the Memorial Committee are very gracious. The purchase of the book is for a worthy cause. Donations will help build a "memorial to honor the heroes of the Toxic Fire of 1978." There are other ways to help and get involved:
ReplyDeleteWrite: P.O. Box 1, Chester, PA 19016
Website: www.thetoxicfireof1978.com
E-mail: Toxicfireof78@gmail.com
Phone #: (302) 535-3742
Now you can get to read the other side of the story and decide objectively for yourself. Don't miss the chance to read this very important part of Chester History.
When I recently provided contact information about Beyond the Flames, I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought this was a positive story. I don't get. Why wasn't this posted?
ReplyDeleteWhere is my posting? Come on...Not afraid of a little competition are you? What a shame?
Honesty. I'm trying to help these guys sell the book. They didn't come to me, I went to them. They are getting free advertising and promotion from this site. They don't want the book listed with the other Chester books that are offered on this site. That's their decision, not mine.
ReplyDeleteThere is no competition between any Chester authors that I am aware of.
Also, Beyond the Flames is an old book that has been out of print for years. Your comments may confuse readers to think this is a new book.
I encourage folks to read it too. I learned a lot and it is an important piece of Chester history.
Thank you sir for the posting. It was approved before I submitted it. We were all looking for it.
ReplyDeleteIf you spoke to "them", then you may need to talk to them again for verification because that's not the story I heard. I never said it was a new book but if you felt it needed clarification so be it.
By the way it's Honestly with a L. Please use it next time.
Honestly. When you said that ... Now you can get to read the other side of the story...I assumed you were talking about Black Industrialist being the story that people needed updating on. Since Beyond the Flames came out years before Black Industrialist I thought you were under the impression that Beyond the Flames was a new book. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
ReplyDeleteOops. I keep leaving off the L. Sorry Honestly.
ReplyDeleteMisunderstanding number 2.
I make it a practice not to post emails sent to me. I consider them conversations between me and the sender. However, this sender asked that I post their email sent to me to clear up a few things.
From reading their email I assumed they did not want the Beyond the Flames book on this site for sale. So, I did what they requested and posted their phone number for anyone to order the book directly from them.
In follow up conversation they said that they do want the book on the site with the other books on Chester.
As soon as we clarify how they want the book juxtaposed, it will be listed with the others. Here is the email...
Thank you for your offer, Stefan. I am not sure how we could work out being listed on your site. We are not set up to take credit cards and the books, which are limited in supply, are usually handled by individuals on the committee. Currently we are asking for a $10 minimum donation to receive a book. There is not enough margin to pay for handling fees and whatever administrative fees you would need to charge. If you have someone interested they are welcome to call me at 302 535-3742. They will probably need to leave a message. My guess is most requests would be local so we could arrange pickup of the book. Please tell them that they can also get the information online for free by googling "Beyond the Flames". The only thing missing is the company names which have been removed. (Imagine that.)
Having "Beyond the Flames" juxtaposed with the book you wrote is somewhat disconcerting. These are not simply two sides to an issue. "Beyond the Flames" concerns victims who were decieved and suffered without justice. The other concerns a victim who did have a role he could control and certain gain had he not been caught. Melvin went into this aware and hopeful for gain; the responders and local residents breathed it in unaware.
I have no comment on the email. I don't know how they would feel about the posting of it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being Honest.