"In this comprehensive and painstakingly detailed study, author Richard F. Bales disproves not only the O'Leary story (along with other popular fabrications of the time), but the commissioners' report as well. Using rare land tract records and more than 1,100 handwritten pages of transcript from the 1871 investigation, Bales uncovers solid evidence of official indifference, a bungled inquiry aimed at preserving reputations rather than pressing for answers - and the possible source of the spark that leveled a city. "--BOOK JACKET.