Product Description
An easy-to-read introduction to one of nature's most spectacular forces provides a close-up look at volcanoes and other seismic activity, explaining how volcanoes are formed, what causes them, and the impact of an eruption on the planet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Cody's review for Volcanoes mountains that blow there tops
I think this book is good for 1st to 2nd grade level readers.
I think this is a good book if your doing reasearch on a volcano.
I do not think this is a good book for 5th graders just to read.
I do not think this is a good book for people that like realistic pictures because the pictures look like clay

Cody's review for Volcanoes mountains that blow there tops
This book should be for 1st to 2nd grade reading level.
I think this book is good for doing research on a volcano.
It is not really good for 5th grade and up just to read.
If you like realistic pictures,this is not good for you because the pictures look like clay.

tops
Ireallyliked the bookbecauseit was illustrated neatlyespeciallythetitle page was goodtoo! The writing wasbig, which I liked because it made it easier to understand. I learned there is a Volcanoe name Mt. Pelee. I think I would rate this book a 5. I would recommend this book to another student because they will like the illustrations as well as the story!

lava mountains
I kind of liked it because the book taught me more about mountains that blew up.But I didn't really enjoy it because I knew most of the stuff it told me and I think that the book just needs more information or else people aren't going to enjoy reading the book.

Volcanoes mountains that blow there tops
This story I will rate about 3 stars. One reason I didn't like it is because the pictures look like clay. I did like the setting and plot of this story because it tells you a bunch of stuff that maybe you don't know.The reason I like the setting is because its not all over the place its just in a couple of places. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Showcases Shanley's talents for creating memorable characters and witty dialogue
I love the movie Moonstruck - an all-time classic that is off-beat, humorous, witty and with a cast of memorable characters. When I came across this book of screenplays, I knew I had to have it. It makes for delightful reading - and is even better when you have the movie on [at least for me]. Joe Versus the Volcano was a fun read too. What makes this a great collection is that in the introduction, screenwriter John Patrick Shanley gives us insights into what inspired him to write these three screenplays, i.e. Moonstruck, Joe Versus the Volcano and Five Corners. They were all inspired by his background, his personal experiences [career-wise and romantic life] and his perceptions based on his childhood and what he saw around him and his old neighborhoods.

A worthwhile read and definitely a keeper, even after all these years!

SHANLEY BRINGS US OVER THE MOON!
Alright, let's face it: John Patrick Shanley is a genius. How else can you explain a reader's overwhelming mirth brought on by the simple turn of each page from his fine Oscar-winning screenplay "Moonstruck" nearly 14 years after the movie's release? Who could ever forget Loretta Castorini slapping Ronnie across the face shouting matter-of-factly "Snap out of it!" Or mom Rose, at the kitchen table bellowing "Your life's goin down the toilet!", and last but not least ornery but lovable Cosmo declaring "Everything is temporary!" It's a movie/literary lovers delight... And who could forget Shanley's elevator ride in "Five Corners"... or what Heinz did to his delusional, corinthian topped mother. (It's a shocker!)... Oh, and Joe floating on his trunks in the middle of the ocean, picking at his eukele. Aw, it was so much fun to be able to go back and experience these fine tales. Thank God someone had the sense to publish them. Shanley fans will not be disappointed.

WRY, WITTY, BUT WRITTEN MORE FOR THE STAGE
Moonstruck and Five Corners are fun reads -- wry and off-beat.Also fun is the introduction written by Shanley, which describes the anxieties, fears, and dating experiences which helped him write these screenplays. Apparently, his writing is very personal. What is disappointing at times ishis writing style.The author is a playwright by training and it oftenshows, particularly in Joe Versus the Volcano -- a very contrived andstagey screenplay. ... Read more

Product Description

A fire-breathing dragon takes children on a grand adventure to learn more about volcanoes. Venturing into an active volcano, kids discover how magma inside the Earth begins to bubble and push its way upward, causing steam to escape through cracks overhead. Young readers will travel to active volcano sites around the world to discover the different characteristics and behavior of various volcanoes. Nancy Woodman’s creative collage artwork pairs beautifully with Ellen Prager’s lively text.

A fire-breathing dragon takes children on a grand adventure to learn more about volcanoes. Venturing into an active volcano, kids discover how magma inside the Earth begins to bubble and push its way upward, causing steam to escape through cracks overhead. Young readers will travel to active volcano sites around the world to discover the different characteristics and behavior of various volcanoes. Nancy Woodman’s creative collage artwork pairs beautifully with Ellen Prager’s lively text.

Customer Reviews (2)

All about Volcanos
National Geographic puts out a great one with this book about volcanos. Photographs and illustrations bring all aspects of volcanos to life for young readers. A dragon leads the way and lots of science is presented in a fun exploration. An experiment is even included at the back of the book to finish off the fun.

My 3 yr. old loves this book
My son loves volcanoes and I had been searching for a book about vocanoes that was not too technical and more to his age level. This book is it, it is very entertaining, the pictures are great, and the "narrator" is a dragon; what more could a 3 yr old ask for? I also bought one of the Eywitness books and a video to go with this book and he has, by far, wanted to read this book more than anything else volcano related that we have. ... Read more

Product Description
Warren Spaulding and Betsy Tyler are supposed to be working on a class project about Mount St. Helens. Instead Warren is busy testing his grandfather's latest invention--the Instant Commuter. Suddenly, he is teleported back to the morning of the eruption and he has no way of getting back home!. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

The way I feel about a BLASTING book!
The story takes place in 2 parts of this book Warrens grandmothers house, and in a differnent time period. One thing I liked about this book is that it seems alive and has alot of excitement and all of the characters attitudes seem real and alive. I also like how the characters act in different ways and certain situations. I would compare this book to The Terrorist a mystery book because in each of these book there is some suspense and in some parts you don't know whats going to happen next. I would also compare this book that I read about a boy who time travels to save the world from dinasaurs.

Volcanic Disaster
The Volcano Disaster by Peg Kehret is one of the most exciting books I have ever read. Besides all the action packed into this book, it gives you the best facts on what happened on the day Mt. St. Helens errupted.
It all starts as a class assignment with Warren and Betsy. These two partners are really not close. Warren has no time for this, he wants to continue his grampa's invevtion called the Instant Commuter. It allows you travel throw space to get to a destination. For instance, you can go to New Jersey from Japan in a few seconds. But Warren doesn't know that his grampa's invention can go in time too! Betsy suprises Warren by finding his secret, the Instant Commuter.The invention sent him to the time when Mt. Saint Helens errupts! There's one major problem He can't go back, why, I'm not telling. You'll just have to read The Volcano Disaster!

Mt Saint Helens and the huge explosion!!
This book is exciting and full of adventures.It has a lot of problems and the characters in the book really have to use their brain.Warren and his grandfather loved to build things but that was when Warren was little.Warren is bigger now and his grandfather has passed away.Warren now loves to build but one day somthing goes terribly wrong.What will happen?Find out What happens by reading Vocano Disaster.But make sure you're ready for excitment and adventure!!!!!

An exciting adventure on the slopes of Mt. St. Helens
"The Volcano Disaster" is a fast-paced action adventure, set on the slopes of Mount Saint Helens just minutes before the volcano is about to erupt.

Although the Instant Commuter that was invented by Warren's grandfather hardly looks like it would work as a Star Trek transporter, much less as a time machine, it's easy to forget about it once Warren is stuck on the slopes of Mount Saint Helens with the Instant Commuter back in the future at his grandmother's house, where his friend Betsy has to figure out how to rescue him from the past before he dies in the deadly ash.

This is an exciting adventure written at about the 4th grade level. Peg Kehret has taken care to make this story true to the facts and setting of the famous May 18, 1980 eruption that took place in Washington State.

action packed must buy book!
a book full of action that will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end where you start thinking when should i get the sequal. It is action packed and it is a must buy by any kid or adult! ... Read more

Product Description
For most people it may come as a surprise that there are over 1300 active volcanoes worldwide and many more dormant or extinct. While not all of them can be reached this still means an abundance of destinations for people with an interest in volcanic and geothermal environments. Some are developed as tourist destinations; others are not, but have great potential. The diversity of complementary landscape features also makes volcanic and geothermal landforms very attractive to a broad spectrum of visitors. Visiting active volcanic and geothermal environments is not new. This form of tourism was included in the 'Grand Tour' undertaken by many affluent Europeans several centuries ago in order to broaden their horizons. The geothermal regions of Italy, Greece and Iceland are well documented as prime destinations of this era. Today Mount Fuji in Japan attracts over 100 million visitors per year and has immense cultural and spiritual significance, while a number of volcanic areas in national parks, for example Teide in Spain, Yellowstone in the US, Vesuvius in Italy and Tongariro in New Zealand, attract between one to four million tourists each year. In the last decade the designation of nearly 50 geoparks around the world has highlighted their potential for tourism development.

This book provides the first global review and assessment of the sustainable use of active and dormant volcanic and geothermal environments for geotourism. The volcano-based tourism sector is further augmented through a closely linked range of geothermal resources and attractions, such as geysers and hot springs, which are discussed in detail throughout individual chapters covering all key volcanic and geothermal regions around the world. It is shown that volcano and geothermal tourism is a subsection of nature-based geotourism and incorporates a variety of other tourism categories such as adventure tourism, extreme tourism, ecotourism, green tourism, educational tourism, and hot spring tourism. In many of these forms of tourism risk management is neglected as there are no international guidelines for visitor safety and prevention of accidents. It is therefore timely to offer a comprehensive book which covers the most important issues of this growing tourism sector and reflects relevant global research as well as recommendations for international safety guidelines and sustainable management. ... Read more

Product Description
Katie's grandmother thinks that a volcano is a geophysical phenomenon caused by the movements of the earth's crust. But Katie thinks that the volcano is Pele, a Hawaiian goddess. As each argues her point, it soon becomes clear they they are "both" right! Full color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Beautiful but Factually Flawed
While searching with increasing frustration for a narrative text about volcanoes for a fifth grade class I held great hopes for this title by Ms George.Knowing of her natualist bent I expected her book to be frankly better than all the other titles I'd tried.I was also excited to contrast one of the myths of volcanic landscapes with the actual mechanics of eruptions.Sadly, Ms George neglected the factual side of her story to a degree that is astonishing.Its perfectly obvious that she did not consult a geologist or look into a geology textbook before presenting her "geophysical phenomenon".A hot spot has nothing to do with subduction, there is no "sand" in lava and worst of all there is no such thing as a tidal wave.Huge waves called tsunamis are generated by ocean floor earthquakes and landslides.They have nothing to do with the tides.Its no wonder I have such a hard time teaching geology at the college level when children are raised with beautifully illustrated but factually incorrect books.

Trip to Hawaii
Katie and grandmother visit a Hawaiian volcano together.Katie's grandmother explains to her the scientific explanation of what she is seeing, but Katie won't hear any of it.Instead, she tells her grandmother all about the Hawaiian legend of Pele, the goddess of the volcano.The book is not scary.It would be good to read when preparing for a family trip to Hawaii.It may also prove a good starting point for comparing myths and reality.And kids who love volcanoes adore the book.It has about 800 words.

Good, not totally satisfying
This fine story is another example of Jean Craighead George's close bond with nature, elegant writing, and her grandchildren.The Newbery Medal-winning author has written several picture books for her grandchildren--ARCTIC SON, a magnificent book, tells the story of her grandsons Luke and Sam who live in Alaska; DEAR REBECCA, WINTER IS HERE is written in the same format as DEAR KATIE, THE VOLCANO IS A GIRL, and that book, which I liked better, is the story of Katie's sister Rebecca asking the grandmother (Ms. George, we presume) what winter is all about.DEAR KATIE, THE VOLCANO IS A GIRL, is an intriguing tale, in which Katie and her grandmother go to Hawaii to see the great Kilauea Volcano.As the fire explodes around them, the grandmother remarks, "A volcano is a geophysical phenomenon," to which young Katie responds, "The volcano is a girl."So begins a daylong quest to find the truth behind the mysteries of Kilauea.Katie tells her grandmother the story that the native Hawaiians tell, of a fiery goddess who is mad at her sister, the tidal waves.The grandmother insists that the secrets of the volcano is explained using pure science.Following their journey, Daniel Powers's colorful illustrations go along nicely with Ms. George's writing.Young children, especially, will find the pictures exciting.In the end, the grandmother writes to Katie telling her that the legend and the scientists' story are the same.Ms. George has a gift for sharing legends and culture with her readers--in her young adult novels, the JULIE OF THE WOLVES books, she describes with great detail the lives of Inupiat Eskimos, and in SHARK BENEATH THE REEF, the story of a little-known town in seaside Mexico.If you're wondering why I gave this book only 3 stars, the reason is because I think Ms. George's other picture books are more satisfying.I wouldn't recommend this book to people who love Ms. George's nature writing--her other picture books, such as the ones mentioned above, are better.Of course, she has written almost 100 books for children, young adults, and even grown-ups, so there's an endless supply to choose from.

Science and Religion
In reading this book, I am reminded of how often I have found that myths that explain how the world works are often merely a symbolic explanation that when cut down to bare bones are exactly the same as science claims.My belief that religion and science have no need to clash is reinforced.They are two different explanations for the same fact.Religion and science can work together, in fact.Science answers our need for an intellectual explanation and religion fulfills our spiritual nature.For me, science has never undercut my faith as it only reinforces the miracle of our world.

I also find it amazing that these ancient myths have such basis in fact.It seems to me that the workings of this world our something a human being can know inately and are not solely the knowledge of the wild animals.

A great religious teaching tool
We used this as a teaching story at our local Unitarian Universalist sunday school, showing that Humanist and Pagan beliefs can indeed coexist.In this story, the girl tells her grandmother about the Goddess Pele andHer sacred mountain, while the grandmother tells the girl about volcanoesand geological activity. At the end of the book, the grandmother says"I told you the scientific story, and you told me the religious story,and *they were the same*".

Beautiful illustrations and veryrespectful treatment of Pele and Her mountain. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
In Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, primal forces of volcanism generate a dynamic cycle of destruction and renewal. Here, on two of the most active volcanoes on Earth, lava flows erase verdant landscapes. This is a natural catastrophe followed by new life.

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park was established in 1916 on the island of Hawai'i to protect the geologic, biologic, and cultural resources on Kilauea and Mauna Loa, Hawai'i's two most active volcanoes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A gorgeous exhalation
With eager breath, Ostriker's collection of poetry comes to life with much to convey. These sensuous poems weave a breath-taking tapestry about the feminine and the holy surrounding us in our lives, often hidden but just beneath the surface. Her knowledge of the Old Testament is clear here, and it more than enhances these poems. It gives them an added grace and strength. These poems are almost like a discussion with holy aspects of the universe, grappling toward a glorious knowing. The energy and imagery brought to mind Anita Diamant's "The Red Tent" and other feminist works, and "The Volcano Sequence" inspires just as strongly.

An original, visionary new book
This is an extraordinary new book from one of America's best poets, full of powerful imagination, formal inventiveness, tireless curiosity, and profound challenges to the spirit and social arrangements of our time. Extending traditions of modernist and postmodernist long poems, The Volcano Sequence is a 119-page poem in 9 major sections plus a coda, written in a variety of poetic styles and voices ranging from lyrical meditations to provocative interrogations--of the gods, the universe, our politicians and philosophers, and our literary traditions. One of Alicia Ostriker's great strengths is her ability to write poetry that is simultaneously accessible, intellectually ocean-deep, and filled with a page-turning emotional grip. The Volcano Sequence's poetic explorations interweave an array of spiritual, psychological, and social themes. In one of the central images of the book, Ostriker takes on the role of a feminist midwife trying to use her imaginative powers to re-birth female energies that have historically been devoured by patriarchal conventions. Like lava in a volcano, long-repressed liberating energies can eventually find a way to get out and reshape our world--"sometimes the stories take you and fling you against a wall / sometimes you go right through the wall"(119). Almost every page of this new book is filled with memorable lines, the kind of poetry that makes your spine sit up and take notice, that makes you see the world from new, amazing angles.

Written with a truly literate and skilled economy of words
The poetry of Alicia Suskin Ostriker is complex, original, and written with a truly literate and skilled economy of words. The Volcano Sequence is a compilation of verse that fully showcases Ostriker a master poet in the full vigor of her imagination and wordsmithing talent. Learn To Recognize The Gestures: when her hands cup her breasts/she enjoys her sweet strength/sap ascends the oak//dancing she causes/the young to dance/and to kiss//she may carry a weapon/a knife a gun a razor/she may wear a belt of skulls//when she discharges her anger in laughter/white lightning illuminates the horizon/from pole to pole//often she lays her hand over her eyes/like a secretary leaving/an office building at evening//cradling that infant boy/sitting him on her lap/smoothing the folds of her dress: this means pity//arms crossed: this signifies judgment. ... Read more

Product Description
What is a volcano? What happens when a volcano erupts? How can volcanoes be helpful? Read this book to discover the answers! ... Read more

Product Description
This book is part of the "First Starts" series that looks at popular topics that should prove of interest to first and younger readers. This book looks at volcanoes - including what they are, how they are formed, where they are found around the world and why they erupt. The book looks at the danger volcanoes cause and their effects on the world today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Solutions from the Cradle
The multi-dimensions of, "The Rumbling Volcano," from history to social, and exegetical to biographical, makes this book extremely comprehensive; but Jabbour has done the reader a favor by his many uses of bullet points and succinct summaries. One weakness is that the book lacks an index. This book is both practical for the policy-maker and theological for the Christian missionary. His use of the phenomenological method enabled him to write with both objectivity and understanding. His hermeneutics of the phenomenon enable the politician and the missionary come to a better understanding of militant Islam, and provides the material for an approach and solutions to propose through dialogue. Every moralist can share the concerns of too much jahaliyya (paganism), poverty, despair, torture, and lack of justice that are felt by those who are attracted to militant Islam, seeing it as a solution. We cannot agree with the solution of jihad, takfir (though a separate community solution is far better than jihad), and ultimate world domination, that the militant Muslims are planning. But how the Egyptian government has handled the militant problem is a lesson in what not to do.
Throughout the book, there are hints of possible solutions to the massive problem posed by militant Islam that is forcing itself upon the world. I enumerated eighteen points. The five that I liked the best are:

1. The U.S. needs to back down from its' biased support of Israel (p. 66).
2. Promote the idea that, "the prophet never intended to have either a kingdom or a state," (p. 75).
3. Moderate Islam needs to be made attractive for the "silent majority," (p. 164).
4. Israel needs to take a humble approach to its' existence (p. 165).
5. Provide jobs that pay, give dignity and self-worth (p. 233).

Jabbour not only provides us with history, causes, and analysis, but also possible roads for a solution.

The Rumbling Volcano
Nabeel Jabbour's book The Rumbling Volcano is an in-depth look at the
history of Islamic Fundamentalism in Egypt.Beginning with a brief
overview of Islam's sordid origins, Jabbour covers the various Muslim
factions that splintered off from orthodox teaching, and then proceeds on
to contemporary trends in Fundamentalism.Finally, Jabbour examines the
factors contributing to the development of Fundamentalism, and the impact
of Fundamentalism on the world today.It is remarkable that all of this
material is presented without a hint of malice towards the Muslim people.
Perhaps Jabbour's greatest accomplishment is the balance he strikes
between unbiased objectivity and honest evaluation.Never are the virtues
exemplified by Fundamentalists played down or the atrocities committed by
Fundamentalists glossed over.His ability to report on such sensitive
issues without falling prey to prejudice is noteworthy.

The Rumbling Volcano is a very good place to start a study of Islamic
Fundamentalism.Jabbour's balanced approach to a difficult subject
fosters the reader with pertinent information that is needed to develop
informed opinions.This is the sort of book that ought to be required
reading for all Westerners.Without understanding the Muslim Arab -
particularly the factors that lead to Islamic Fundamentalism - we run the
risk of exacerbating our differences because of ignorance.

Rumbling Volcano
In the introduction of The Rumbling Volcano I read a couple of lines that really summed up my sentiments about my knowledge of Islam."I thought I knew Islam.Because I had studied it, I had "succeeded" in putting it into compartments under labels, and in my mind I had refuted it" (4).As a result of this reading my heart has softened for Muslims and my knowledge has taken a giant leap.When it comes to education I consider myself a big picture type of learner.This book does just that; provide the reader with a broad picture of the world of Fundamental Islam explaining factors that otherwise might be lost.This book addresses the sources of the fundamentalist movement that we are experiencing today.

Great Book Ovieviewing A Very Timely Topic
I've been interested to learn more about Muslims ever since 9/11 and I've wondered what motivates the suicide bombings and other violent acts by Islamic Fundamentalists.This book gives an insightful history of Muslim Extremists and it talks about why they believe the way they do.The author is from the Middle East so he understand the roots of this fanatical worldview, but he doesn't support their evil actions.This book helped me see the oppression that Muslim Fundamentalists feel and it offered ways that the world could minimize the hopelessness that perpetuates their perspective by focusing on political, economic, and spiritual solutions.This is a foundational book about the growing influence of Islamic Fundamentalism.

Disciplined Wonder
In The Rumbling Volcano, Nabeel Jabbour paints an objective picture of the modern fundamentalist movement in Egypt. While many contemporary Western and/or Christian voices routinely condemn and crucify them as simple "terrorists," Jabbour takes pains to examine their motivations and ideals with "disciplined wonder," letting them speak for themselves, striving to enter into their world. In this he succeeds, and enables the reader to understand historically the genesis and development of the call for jihad. Beginning with the opposition movements of the Kharijites and Shiites, he shows how the puritanical element has always existed in Islam. Next, in describing the emergence of the Muslim Brotherhood and its splinter groups, Jabbour pays homage to their thinkers, philosophers, and pragmatists. Finally, he notes contributing elements to the surge in popular fundamentalism, and posits some thoughts for the future. His book is fair and even-handed, and provides the reader with a thorough introductory knowledge of Islamism that goes beyond the headlines of the sensationalist news media. ... Read more

Product Description
An A-to-Z sourcebook that explains the terms and concepts associated with the sciences of natural catastrophe. This book covers the places in the world, throughout history, where such events have occurred. The events covered include the eruption of Mount Edna from 1226 BC to the present day,the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, the violent movement in the San Andreas Fault in 1906, and recent eruptions such as Mount St. Helens and Mount Pinatubo.Amazon.com Review
From aa to Yellowstone, if it's got anything at all to do with earthquakes or volcanoes, you're likely to find within the pages of this updated encyclopedia from science journalist David Ritchie and Rutgers geology professor Alexander Gates.

The 1,000-plus alphabetical listings range from historical volcanoes and quakes (both famous and obscure) to entries on specific seismic phenomena (everything from parasitic cones to jökulhlaup) and general geological principles, including a few excellent in-depth discussions on topics like plate tectonics and seismic wave types. The encyclopedia also contains a lengthy bibliography, a list of Internet resources, a chronological listing of notable quakes and eruptions, and a handful of unforgettable eyewitness accounts (after the eruption of Vesuvius in A.D. 79, apparently Pliny the Elder's party went out "having pillows tied upon their heads with napkins; and this was their whole defense against the storm of stones that fell around them").

With its clear, newspaper-style entries, the Encyclopedia of Earthquakes and Volcanoes will be navigable even to geo-newbies, but its a-to-z organization makes it more useful as a reference than as a stand-alone text. (Then again, given its liberal cross-referencing, you can easily find yourself led to a long, enjoyable read.) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

HANDY GEOLOGY REFERENCE
This is a handy book to have as a geology resource and would be most useful to any student of our earth's seismic activity.Articles include material on historical eruptions and earthquakes, rock formations and areas of research and exploration.Unlike other works of this kind, the authors address each state of the US, describing the seismic activity recorded there.It turns out several are more geologically active than we imagine!

I give it three stars because I feel a much more thorough book could have been produced here.The authors could have gone into a lot more detail on many of the entries, especially the historical ones.As it is they simply lay out the facts in a dry, dull fashion.A few more months of work and research could have produced a five star work.

Excellent reference covering specific earthquakes/volcanoes
It's exactly what the title says.Very dry, just the facts, but very extensive and detailed.If you're looking for a great reference book or if you like to read concise factual summaries....then you'll love this book.

A work in progress
This encyclopedia begins with an entry for `aa' (a particular type of lava flow) and ends with a page-worth of data on Yellowstone National Park.In between, all geophysical phenomena associated with earthquakes and volcanoes are covered alphabetically, including anecdotes on many individual eruptions or shakings, e.g. the Kobe earthquake in Japan.

I enjoyed reading the "Encyclopedia of Earthquakes and Volcanoes" but thought it must be a work in progress (I have the new edition) as there were many typos and one astronomical quibble:

* "Io is the hottest place in the solar system outside the sun (p. 105)"---actually I believe that honor belongs to Venus.Io's average surface temperature is 130 K whereas the surface of Venus averages 740 K (hotter even than Mercury).

Another interesting oddity concerning earthquakes, is that the authors tend to favor the Mercalli Scale, which is based on ordinary human observations, rather than the Moment magnitude.

Not all of the black-and-white photographs are dated, and the cover photograph of a volcanic eruption is not identified (although a friend of mine from Oregon swears it is Mt. St. Helens).Ideally, a newer edition of this book will label all of the photographs, and perhaps include a few in color.

All quibbling aside, this is an interesting book that fills a useful niche. It will definitely remain in my reference library.

"Appendix B" which includes "Eyewitness Accounts of Major Eruptions and Quakes" is absolutely fascinating, and it alone is worth the price of the book.

I REALLY LOVE THIS BOOK!
Hi, I really like this book. It's bben helpfully to me for my carrer. Thanks, Michelle Trzecisnki

Excellent introduction.
In a unique and very handy A-Z format, here in one volume is all the information you are ever likely to need on these most dramatic natural phenomena.
The great earthquakes and famous volcanic eruptions are comprehensively covered, with clear explanations of the geologic concepts and terms, interesting photos and maps, and thumbnail biographies of leading figures in the study of these majestic forces of nature. A particularly interesting feature is the inclusion of each state with an evaluation of its seismic potential. (There are some surprises here). Highly recommended as a very useful single-volume introduction for libraries and interested individuals.

(The "score" rating is an ineradicable feature of the page. This reviewer does not "score" books.) ... Read more

Product Description
Volcanoes have destroyed and killed throughout history, but we have never known much about them. Now a group of brave scientists are working to understand the actual conditions that cause eruptions, how to predict them, and what we can do, if anything, to temper their destructiveness. Thompson, a Time magazine correspondent, takes us from the May 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens in Washington state through new concentrated efforts to construct a wider-reaching and more rigid discipline.

Thompson spent many hours with the relative handful of scientists whom he calls "volcano cowboys." They have loaned him their field notes and shared personal stories. That vivid material combined with Thompson's ability to bring a good story to life has resulted in a book that celebrates these "cowboys," their hazardous lives, and the often harrowing decisions they must make.
Amazon.com Review
Vulcanology is not the sexiest of sciences, despite Hollywoodmovies in which clenched-jawed heroes tame ferocious floods of lavathat are busily swallowing up some crowded metropolis or another,racing against the clock to save humankind from the elements. It turnsout that those movies aren't really so far-fetched, though, and in thepages of Volcano Cowboys the world's small corps of magmahunters acquire well-deserved élan.

The study of volcanoes,Time magazine writer Dick Thompson notes, is largely anobservational and not theoretical science; where the vital memory of amolecular biologist "generally drops off after a decade," avulcanologist will carry reams of data about the behavior of the earthgleaned from reports stretching back to the time of Plato and Plinythe Elder, those amateur volcano-watchers of antiquity. They've hadplenty more to do in recent years, though, than to quote theancients. Thompson's vigorous narrative begins with the eruption ofMount St. Helens on May 18, 1980, an event that U.S. Geological Surveyscientists had been able to predict with some accuracy. They lacked,however, a coordinated means to effect an evacuation of the area, and57 people died. Battling institutional inertia and struggling forfunding, teams of these scientists, the "volcano cowboys" ofThompson's title, set about trying to develop methods to predict moreaccurately dangerous volcanic events and to trim the body count whensuch events took place. His story recounts their eventual victorywhen, in 1991, the Philippine volcano Pinatubo exploded--but, thanksto the work of these dedicated field scientists, "less than onequarter of one percent of those at risk had died during theeruption."

Tens of millions of people around the world live withinthe reach of volcanoes. Thompson's narrative reveals that the "volcanocowboys" have made their lives safer--and it's much better than themovies. --Gregory McNamee ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Great fun to read, and a really good look at what can be done to save people from volcanic disasters!
A fun read, slightly light on the science for technical types, but very informative about the choices volcanologists have to make, the adventure of being a volcanologist, and the risks and amazing opportunities it affords them.Reading this book made me want to be a volcanologist.;)

Hard to put down real life drama!!!
Great book about volcanoes.No, not a lot of science.No, not a lot of cool pictures.Yes, the author could have used a little more editing.

BUT, those problems aside, this is a superbly fun book to read.When reading about Pinatubo, I had trouble putting the book down.You could easily make a movie about some of these events.And the author tells the stories admirably.

For armchair volcano enthusiasts everywhere, make this one of your reads.You will be very glad you did.

Great book for a non-geologist armchair observer
I'm not a scientist nor particularly interested in volcanoes, but this is some great non-fiction.It isn't a science book, although I did pick up a few facts here and there.This is a dramatic tale about the world of studying and predicting the actions of volcanoes.

The reader will learn about the economic impact of closing an area for a potential eruption, the politics of getting grants and closing areas near volcanoes, the risk of being in an active volcano area, the inside operations of the USGS, and much more.It makes for a interesting read, and I know tons more about the history of volcanic eruptions after having read this book.

Any fan of good non-fiction in the journalistic style will appreciate this book.

Great book, even for geologists!
Volcano Cowboys is an excellent book about the real people behind the science.If you are looking for a book about how volcanoes form - this is not it, but it you are looking for a book about how real science is done read Volcano Cowboys!!These guys aren't the stereotypical geeky scientists we often picture sequestered in labs and pale-skinned from lack of sunlight.This is what field geology is allabout - getting your feet dirty (and your pants and shirt and hands and hair)!This book is also a candid view of the politics involved in science and also the fact that volcanology, like all science, is a work-in-progress.No, we don't know everything there is to know about how volcanoes work - and that is what makes geology so very exciting!

My one disappointment with the book were the pictures/figures.I want to see a diagram of Mt. St. Helens after the eruption to compare with the nice diagram of "before"!!!The photos are also a little hard to see in the paperback version.

Applied science at it's best
This was simply the best (non-technical) volcano book I have ever read! I could not put it down.

The main portion of the book details the first rumblings of two famous volcanoes and follows events up to their climatic eruptions. Even if you are familiar with the individual volcanoes physical history you'll be fascinated with how earth science is truly applied in the "real world" and how many other pressures (political, social and economic) scientists in this field have to deal with.

When you are done reading this book you will get a glimpse of what kind of passion, dedication and craziness is needed for those working in the field. ... Read more

Product Description
"Unlike other biographical portraits of Ezra Pound, John Tytell's brilliant and ambitious work offers an interpretive study that boldly confronts the emotional truths and psychological drama that formed this complex and controversial American poet. Neither an apology nor a condemnation, it presents instead a meticulous exploration into the mind and vision of a man who galvanized a generation and challenged an entire literary-and world-establishment. Although he enjoyed little fame in his lifetime, Pound's notoriety and influence were enormous, as he arrogantly slashed away at convention and almost single-handedly brought about the twentieth-century revolution in poetry known as modernism. Ultimately, outrage and scandal turned his art to madness, and Pound's last years saw him fall tragically silent." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Exceptional Literary Biography
For those who choose not to wade through the massive, new biography of Pound by A. David Moody, this is a highly recommended, much less exhaustive work.Pound's troubling, fascinating life is presented objectively in this interestingly written bio.

EzraPound
If you prefer to know and understand the writer behind the poetry, consider purchasing this biography.As difficult and unworldy as Pounds' literature tends to be, it is often a necessity that one study his life before conquering his poetry.It is the life we live that influences what we create.Before consuming yourself with The Cantos, consider what decisions and people influenced its ingenuity.John Tytell gives us everything we need to know concerning Ezra Pound.Perhaps not the definitive biography of Ezra's life; it does cover most of what you desire. ... Read more

Product Description
DK is reissuing some of its most beloved Readers with a fresh new look, perfect for 21st century kids! What spits out fire and ash? What sleeps for years but may explode with a bang at any time? In Eruption! The Story of Volcanoes, children learn all about volcanoes, as the mechanics of an eruption are described and illustrated with simple, step-by-step pictures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Eruption!
Five-year old son loves this book.He can read it by himself (though he asks for help understanding some of the concepts).We went to Kilauea, Hawaii last year, and I wish that we had this book then. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very interesting
I thought this book was fasinating.I learned more about volcanoes and earthquakes.Your book was the best ... Read more

Product Description

At once terrifyingly destructive and awe-inspiringly beautiful, volcanoes have long fascinated humankind. From Vesuvius and Etna to Krakatau and Mount Saint Helen's, these molten rock- and ash-spewing geysers have destroyed whole cities and countless lives, and altered the course of history. Yet our understanding of volcanoes on Earth -- and throughout the celestial world -- remains maddeningly incomplete.With Alien Volcanoes, Rosaly M. C. Lopes and Michael W. Carroll offer a dynamic tour of volcanic activity across the solar system. Through eight gracefully written chapters laced with gripping photographs and stunning artwork, Lopes and Carroll survey the complete spectrum of volcanism in time and location, from the solar system's origin to the modern era and from the familiar shield volcanoes of the terrestrial worlds to the bizarre superchilled geysers on distant ice moons. In the process, they entertain the possibility of hidden lakes on Saturn's moon Enceladus, discuss the potential effects of greenhouse gases on Neptune's moon Triton, reconstruct the last moments of life for Pompeiians in the face of an erupting Mount Vesuvius, and explain how a 4,000-mile-long river of lava could have once flowed freely across the plains of Venus.

Richly illustrated with original paintings supplemented by NASA and European Space Agency photographs, Alien Volcanoes advances our knowledge of volcanoes on other heavenly bodies, enhances our ability to comprehend how they came into being on Earth, and describes how we might better predict the impact of future eruptions.

Customer Reviews (2)

Tantalizing Work
Excellent reference drawing tantalizing comparisons between volcanoes here on Earth to those in space.Punctuated with marvelous color and black and white photographs illustrating their points, Rosaly M. C. Lopes and Michael W. Carroll make some great conclusions.The ongoing state of cryovulcanism on some distant planets and moons may remain unknown at the moment, but plate tectonics coupled with the composition of matter on these alien worlds, may help to explain what telescopes and space probes have been able to tell us thus far.

I thoroughly enjoyed it and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Alien Volcanoes to anyone who has ever stared up at the night sky - searching for answers.This is a good read for everyone.

Ann B. Keller

A guide to solar system wonders
Rosaly M. C. Lopes and Michael W. Carroll lead the reader on a wonderful tour of volcanic activity in the solar system. They start the journey on Earth where they focus on heat generated by radioactivity or tidal forces seeking to escape into the coldness of space. Sometimes the heat escapes slowly with lava seeps or smoky looking steam. In other cases, the heat escapes in gigantic bursts of lava, steam, ash and smoke. The authors focus in part on the effects of volcanoes on people. The sections on the eruptions of Mount Vesuvius and their effects on Pompeii and Herculaneum are particularly compelling.

Although there is no apparent effect on people from non-terrestrial volcanoes (other than inspiring scientific and intellectual curiosity), the authors argue similar forces create volcanoes elsewhere in the solar system. They use terrestrial evidence to describe and analyze volcanic activity far from Earth.

For example, Olympus Mons is a shield volcano on Mars, 2.6 times larger than Manua Loa, the largest volcano on earth, and three times higher than Mount Everest. Mars does not have tectonic plates so the Martian crust remained fixed over a hot spot, and Olympus Mons apparently grew to its immense size over 115 million years. (Hawaiian volcanoes were formed as the Pacific plate moved over a hot spot.) But, the authors ask, are Martian caves lava tubes or created by some other mechanism?

The authors have woven together a wonderful collection of drawings by Carroll and photos from NASA and ESA together with well written text. The describe common features of volcanoes throughout the solar system: plumes, shields, domes, and flows.

Lopes has contributed three other books on volcanoes:Volcanic Worlds: Exploring The Solar System's Volcanoes, The Volcano Adventure Guide, and Io After Galileo: A New View of Jupiter's Volcanic Moon.

Michael W. Carroll has created a number of space drawings for NASA and illustrated a number of books including Volcanoes and Earthquakes.

Together, they have created a wonderful introduction to one of the great natural wonders of the Earth and the rest of the solar system.

Robert C. Ross2008 ... Read more

Product Description
The Hawaiian Islands were born of volcanoes.From the dormant Diamond Head and Punchbowl on the island of Oahu and Haleakala on Maui to the active crater of Kilauea, volcanoes are Hawaii’s icons.At times both beautiful and frightening, nothing matches their majesty.Volcano; Images of Hawaii’s Volcanoes showcases 46 photos by island renowned photographer Douglas Peebles.Priced at only $6.95 it’s the perfect keepsake, gift and souvenir.This small hardbound easy-to-carry book illustrates the awe-inspiring beauty of Kilauea, Haleakala, Mauna Kea, Pu’u O’o and more. ... Read more