Customer Reviews

Volcanism

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a glance at some of my other reviews may indicate, I am very interested in nearly all aspects of volcanoes and volcanology. This is by far the best book that I have ever read on the general subject.

The photography is in four-color format and is about the best I have ever encountered on the topics. The book is jam-packed with illustrative diagrams of high quality, and both photos and diagrams follow the text in a crisp, well-crafted manner. The book was obviously written in German first, and sometimes the grammatical translations seem awkward, but remain easily understandable. This is no way detracts from the substantive content of the book.

Not surprisngly, many of the illustration are from sites of European volcanism, such as the Lacher See region of Rhineland, Germany, and the Canary Islands. The discussion of the extremely violent, but hardly known, Lacher See event is well done, and should be carefully perused by any reader. Dr. Schminke reveals a history that is hardly known about, and sorely unappreciated, by readers on this side of the Atlantic. A repetition of the event today, which is cetainly not out of the question, would a major disaster for Western Europe.

While the book uses many terms not familiar to one not acquainted with geology, these are explained for the most part, so the book should be enjoyed by anyone with a high school background in science. Of the many new books on volcanoes in recent years, this is unquestionably the finest one in my belief. I recommend it very highly to anyone who really enjoys the subject of volcanoes.

I didn't have the opportunity to take a volcanology class as a student, so bought this book to read for "fun." Dr. Schmincke's text is easy to understand (even when he explains relatively difficult concepts) and the photographs and illustrations are great - straightforward, colorful, and all definitely add to the text. As a former college geology instructor, I appreciate a book like this and, just from a pure enjoyment perspective - "Volcanism" was super; I had a tough time putting it down.

Volcanism is a usefull volcanology book. it helps me to understand the dynamic and the deposits of the volcanic process

This is a good book to get a grasp on basic volcanology. It covers a lot of stuff and has some great photos and diagrams. It doesn't get into most areas in too much depth but it is certainly a book that can provide a solid foundation for people interested in volcanoes and closely related aspects of geology. A book that I will keep too...I have gone back and referenced it several times after initially reading it.

The book is powerfull mostly for beginner and intermediate skill in volcanology. Many nice images and pictures make the book easy to digest eventhough read by the very beginner people. The complex earth system explained simply but sharply to the point.

The book ordered was in very good condition. It was a miracle that it made it through the mail. The package was just about to fall apart. This was mailed during Christmas rush.