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Volcanoes in Human History: The Far-Reaching Effects of Major Eruptions Paperback – November 21, 2004

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 62 ratings
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When the volcano Tambora erupted in Indonesia in 1815, as many as 100,000 people perished as a result of the blast and an ensuing famine caused by the destruction of rice fields on Sumbawa and neighboring islands. Gases and dust particles ejected into the atmosphere changed weather patterns around the world, resulting in the infamous ''year without a summer'' in North America, food riots in Europe, and a widespread cholera epidemic. And the gloomy weather inspired Mary Shelley to write the gothic novel Frankenstein.


This book tells the story of nine such epic volcanic events, explaining the related geology for the general reader and exploring the myriad ways in which the earth's volcanism has affected human history. Zeilinga de Boer and Sanders describe in depth how volcanic activity has had long-lasting effects on societies, cultures, and the environment. After introducing the origins and mechanisms of volcanism, the authors draw on ancient as well as modern accounts--from folklore to poetry and from philosophy to literature. Beginning with the Bronze Age eruption that caused the demise of Minoan Crete, the book tells the human and geological stories of eruptions of such volcanoes as Vesuvius, Krakatau, Mount Pelée, and Tristan da Cunha. Along the way, it shows how volcanism shaped religion in Hawaii, permeated Icelandic mythology and literature, caused widespread population migrations, and spurred scientific discovery.


From the prodigious eruption of Thera more than 3,600 years ago to the relative burp of Mount St. Helens in 1980, the results of volcanism attest to the enduring connections between geology and human destiny.

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    320 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Princeton University Press
  4. Publication date
    November 21, 2004
  5. Dimensions
    5.75 x 0.75 x 9.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0691118388
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0691118383
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Does the world need another book about volcanic eruptions and the havoc they wreak? The answer, for this book, is an emphatic 'yes,' especially for the general reader. [B]esides being interesting to read, Volcanoes in Human History clearly demonstrates that volcanism, and geology as a whole, should not be of concern only to geologists and that history is important."---Sally Newcomb, Isis

"The authors have applied their geologic knowledge and experience, along with solid research, to produce an accessible book on volcanoes." ― Library Journal

"In clear prose aimed to include general readers, the authors make the case for the social consequences set in motion by large volcanic eruptions as both wide-ranging and long-lived." ― Choice

"A detailed and vivid account of the fiery relationship between the Earth and its surface dwellers." ― The Guardian

Review

"Most people seldom think about volcanoes or the role they have played in human history. Jelle Zeilinga de Boer and Donald Theodore Sanders . . . examine the relationship between volcanoes and human history. . . . [Their] chilling examples show the profound impact volcanic eruptions have had upon humans. The incredible story has taken centuries to unfold and will surely continue to evolve."―Dr. Robert D. Ballard, President, Institute for Exploration, Mystic, Connecticut

"There is a growing awareness of the interplay between natural disasters and human societies, putting this book at the cutting edge of an important trend. It integrates science with societal issues in a way that is compelling and interesting. With its informative but nontechnical style, it should appeal to both scientists and nonspecialists."―Susan Hough, U.S. Geological Survey

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Princeton University Press (November 21, 2004)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0691118388
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0691118383
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 0.75 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 62 ratings

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Jelle Zeilinga de Boer

Jelle Zeilinga de Boer

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
62 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Superior.Shores
5.0 out of 5 stars A Natural Follow-up to “Earthquakes”
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2021
Verified Purchase
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.
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Patricia Hall West Mulder
4.0 out of 5 stars Lots of Facts
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2019
Verified Purchase
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.
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Martin J. Macary
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book concerning Volcanos
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2020
Verified Purchase
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.
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KLB
5.0 out of 5 stars Another Good Read
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2021
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Do recommend. Easy read. This old world has a lot to say.
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Jack
5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Read
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2013
Verified Purchase
I am not a scientist by any stretch of the imagination but I found this book to be highly interesting. The figures complement the text so if the descriptions of what is going on is not enough, one is able to visualize. If you are interested in science, volcanoes, and history, read this book.
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Basil Carney
4.0 out of 5 stars I have no doubt that the date was good but I do not know how this number was ...
Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2014
Verified Purchase
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.
3 people found this helpful
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Severin Olson
3.0 out of 5 stars MOTHER NATURE DOESN'T ALWAYS WIN
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2009
There is a lot of great stuff here. I particulary enjoyed some of the later chapters on the more recent volcanoes. The inclusion of Tristan Da Cunha is a real plus, as so little has been written about it. The destruction of St. Pierre in 1902 is also covered well. So why only three stars?

First of all, it is not clear just what kind of book the authors intended to write. This is not a history book about volcanoes. Very little is actually said about the historic significance of these eruptions. It's not a science book, despite being laced with geologic terminology. Nor is it a disaster book, focusing on the human impact of the events. As a consequence, the work does not hold together or catch one's interest as it might.

Secondly, I found the writing style a bit bothersome. The authors appeared to be attempting to win us over to an interest in science and geology, with violent eruptions as the bait. This is especially true for the first half. The inclusion of metric only measurements supports this. It is no wonder that few scientists make great authors.

A final comment must be made on 'mother nature'. It is so often said that nature always wins in its struggle with humanity. In the chapter on Iceland's volcanic history, we learn that advancing lava was stopped from destroying a crucial harbor, by, the US Navy. Enough water was used to cool the flow and stop the movement. Few could ever have believed such a thing possible. So let's remember that mother nature doesn't always win.
2 people found this helpful
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P. K. Terrell
5.0 out of 5 stars Great reference book.
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2017
Verified Purchase
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.
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