“Richly enhanced by spectacular photographs and artwork. . . . Written in a nontechnical style and have an interdisciplinary, international focus. The high-quality illustrations scattered throughout each chapter are a major strength. The humanities perspective provides a fresh look at two remarkable natural phenomena.” 

Choice

"A fascinating read, the text covers all types of volcanoes across the world, and relates them to the paintings, wood engravings, and a fresco from Pompeii. The linking of history, mythology, and geological fact is flawless, providing fascinating insights into different cultures, the progress of Christianity, and also the technique of painting."

School Librarian

“At last, a series of books on the earth for lay people that combine authoritative, succinct, and entertaining narrative with magnificent illustrations. The Earth series will make us marvel anew at the diversity and astounding beauty of the world around us. Each book will take popular understanding of the earth to a new level. No one seriously interested in the future of our planet should be without them.”

Brian M. Fagan, author of "The Great Warming: Climate Change and the Rise and Fall of Civilizations"

“An arresting collage of mythology, philosophy, literature, and spectacular works of visual art inspired by nature’s most exuberant phenomenon—Hamilton’s unique and imaginative miscellany and cultural geography of volcanoes and volcanology is a veritable treasure trove.”

Clive Oppenheimer, volcanologist and author of "Eruptions That Shook the World"

“James Hamilton elegantly conjures up the imagery and impact of volcanic events around the world, through centuries and across continents, mastering this complex topic with an observant eye, an incisive mind, and a fluent pen; it’s a book to read and then keep coming back to, again and again.”

Gillian Darley, author of "Vesuvius: The Most Famous Volcano in the World"