Young Men in Fire

A non-fiction book recounting the events of the 1949 Mann Gulch fire in Montana, where a crew of smokejumpers was tragically overtaken by the flames, resulting in the deaths of thirteen firefighters.

Maclean combines meticulous research with personal reflections to explore the complex interplay of human behavior, environmental factors, and the unpredictable nature of wildfires.

The book delves into the psychological and emotional experiences of the firefighters, as well as the broader themes of courage, loss, and the struggle against nature's power.

Through vivid descriptions and compelling storytelling, Maclean provides a profound and insightful account of a tragic event that forever changed the landscape of wildland firefighting.