Volcanoes in Human History: The Far-Reaching Effects of Major Eruptions (Princeton Science Library)

This book explores the role of volcanoes in human history, with the express purpose of bridging the gap between the natural sciences and the humanities. For each volcano, the author explores the "interdisciplinary effects" of the eruption, the aftereffects, the climate change/diaspora/famine, economic and ecological revival, and cultural effects. To that end, the author explores 9 volcanic regions: Ch. 2 is about Hawaii, Ch. 3 is about Thera in the Mediterannean, Ch. 4 is about Vesuvius, Ch. 5 is about Iceland, Ch. 6 is about Tambora in Indonesia (prehistoric), Ch. 7 is about Krakatau, Ch. 8 is about Martinique, Ch. 9 is about Tristan de Cunha, and Ch. 10 is about Mt. St. Helens.My only complaint about the book is its implicit Eurocentrism. Looking at that list, 3 (Thera, Vesuvius, and Iceland) are in Europe, 2 (Tristan de Cunha and Mt. St. Helens) are in places with basically just white people, and Tambora was prehistoric. So let's look at what's left.The Hawaii chapter has a lot about anonymous Hawaiian legends and the deeds of past kings. But the people who get quoted are Mark Twain, John McPhee, and Lord Tennyson.The Mount Pelee eruption in Martinique was actually fascinating because of the role of politics in the disaster. There was apparently an effort driven by black and mixed race laborers to elect a socialist government. To forestall this event, the white governor encouraged the predominately white populace of St. Pierre to not evacuate, so that they could vote in the election. However, it is only white politicians who are quoted in this chapter - the black socialists who were so crucial to this have no voice.The most egregious is Krakatau. In order, the dramatis personae are: a Dutch pilot, a Dutch geologist, a Dutch newspaper, a French poet, an English poet, a Dutch botanist, another Dutch botanist, an Australian biologist, and a Dutch zoologist. Apparently the Indonesians had no opinions on their own volcanoes! Except, of course, for "Javanese Legend" from the Book of Kings.I think it is insane that a book about the role of volcanoes in human civilization somehow managed to completely bypass Mexico, Central America, Japan, the entire continent of Africa, and the entire continent of South America - and instead we get Tristan de Cunha? The fate of 200 inbred English settlers with zero casualties and exactly 1 house destroyed is somehow more relevant to human civilization than multiple continents?I know this sounds ridiculous, but it really bothers me that the book focused entirely on European experiences and whitesplained volcanoes. The role of POC in this book is anonymous, mythic past (Hawaii and Indonesia) and anonymous revolutionary rabble-rousers (Martinique). I do appreciate how the author explores the long term effects of volcanism on human civilization. I just wish the humanity the author explored had a little more melanin.

I was hesitant at first to order this book. The cover appeared almost cartoonish and over-dramatic. What is the say: Don’t judge a book by its cover”? This book follows “Earthquake” in the string theory of catastrophic events. Packed into this book is a wealth of volcano information that serves almost as a direction of events in the past.This is truly an amazing book which delves, not only into the event, but the afterward events. The human factor of death and survival are well portrayed in some of the events still fresh in some of our memories.

Well written book dealing with man's relationship with volcanoes during their eruptions. This book would be much easier to read it it did not alternate between information suitable for a layman only to pounce upon highly technical charts and notes that require a certain amount of scientific knowledge. A good comprehensive coverage of the subject matter.

This book covers most of the volcanos in recorded human history and their impacts on human civilization. Many of the names are familiar to those of us with a passing knowledge of human and earth history. Vesusvus, Krakatoa, Mount Saint Helens and Pinatubo are some of the infamous ones. There are many others. An excellent read without getting too heavy with scientific vocabulary.

Do recommend. Easy read. This old world has a lot to say.

This book was interesting and had more information than I could ever expect to remember. I would have given this book a higher rating if there had been more information how it was determined that some mountain had erupted in 75000 ECE. I have no doubt that the date was good but I do not know how this number was determined. I doubt it was just made up.

So far, so good. Love learning about volcanoes

I haven't read the entire book yet. However, it has good information about the major volcanic eruptions that have occurred including Mt. St. Helens.A great reference book.