"Towering Inferno" is a disaster novel written by Thomas N. Scortia and Frank M. Robinson, published in 1974. The story revolves around a massive fire that breaks out during the dedication of the world's tallest building, the Glass Tower, in San Francisco. As the flames spread, various characters, including firefighters and guests, struggle to survive and escape the chaos. The novel explores themes of human resilience and the consequences of corporate greed, as safety measures are overlooked in the pursuit of profit. It highlights the dangers of modern architecture and the challenges faced by emergency responders in catastrophic situations.