Customer Reviews

The Volcano Adventure Guide

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THE VOLCANO ADVENTURE GUIDE by Rosaly Lopes is a precious addition to the more common volcano guides aimed at a more academic audience. Volcanoes represent one of the main attractions on Earth mostly non-expert visitors. From personal experience (on Etna and Stromboli, two active volcanoes in Italy) I know that many volcano visitors do not have much knowledge about the place they are visiting - even when their principal reason for coming IS the volcano. Nearly all deaths and injuries on Etna and Stromboli that can be attributed to eruptions and other causes such as bad weather, lightning, and mountain accidents in general, are due to a lack of knowledge of the site and its various hazards. People carefully reading THE VOLCANO ADVENTURE GUIDE will have a better knowledge of such hazards and at receive crucial logistical information about volcanoes worth to be visited.

Concerning the contents of the book, there is little that I can add to previous reviews (the one written by my colleague Tom Pfeiffer is particularly enlightening). What I would like to point out here is my overall appreciation of THE VOLCANO ADVENTURE GUIDE - it is useful, and it is a pleasant, entertaining read - and a few issues that I found problematic.

There are a few minor errors and inconsistencies in the book, such as in the section about Mauna Loa volcano, Hawaii. The text and maps correctly state that the most recent eruption of this volcano to date occurred in 1984. The previous eruption, however, is once given as 1974, and then as 1975 (the latter is correct).

Sharing the fate of all printed guides to active volcanoes, a few portions of this book have already been rendered obsolete by the course of events. For example, Montserrat island in the Caribbean, which has strongly suffered from the impact of the ongoing eruption of its volcano Soufrière Hills since 1995, is described in a way that certainly reflects the situation at the time the book was written. However, my experience during a visit to Montserrat in December 2005 is very different from what I would have expected from reading the book. Although the volcano is still active, most people that I encountered in Montserrat were very positive, laid back and serene, and the overall felling was one of everybody starting over again with a lot of confidence - in spite of the volcano being still active. Although one phrase in this section begins with "as of 2004", the narrative of the eruption fails to mention the extraordinarily massive collapse of the Soufrière Hill's lava dome in July 2003, the largest such collapse documented from any historical volcanic eruption. Furthermore, in the book it is written that the island cannot be reached by airplane - since the spring of 2005 (the opening of the new airport) airplanes are the only available means to get there!

The same is true for Etna. The major eruptions in 2001 and 2002-2003 changed a lot of things for visitors. One of the two tourist stations (which is not even mentioned in the book) was overrun and devastated by lava flows during the second of these recent eruptions, the other was partially damaged in both events and subsequently reconstructed - bigger (and more expensive) than ever before.

Likewise, the most recent significant events at the nearby volcano of Stromboli are not included in the information - a major lava flow accompanied by a modest flank collapse triggering a damaging tsunami, and one of the most powerful explosions on record in 2002-2003. These events led to much of the volcano being declared off-limits to visitors for a prolonged period, and although visits are now again possible, they are limited to very small groups accompanied by professional guides. Also the access paths are now different from how they were before.

There is an extensive chapter on Mount St. Helens, unfortunately the volcano became active just about the time the book was to be released, and its shape has undergone significant changes since then.

The one major flaw in the book is the section dealing with the disastrous 8 May 1902 eruption of Montagne Pelée, Martinique (Caribbean), which led to the total devastation of the city of St. Pierre and the death of nearly all of its about 28,000 inhabitants. As famous as this event is, many descriptions of it are seriously contorted if not false at all. One particular myth that is difficult to get rid of is the alleged attempt of the then Governor of Martinique, Mouttet, to prevent the anxious population of St. Pierre from leaving the town. There is even word that Mouttet ordered roads exiting the town to be blocked by military in order to keep its population there, because elections were due. The essence of such reports is that Mouttet was directly responsible for approximately 28,000 deaths! Unfortunately, these stories have found their way into THE VOLCANO ADVENTURE GUIDE, although recent reconstructions of the events have proved that things went very differently in 1902. One main reason for this repetition of the false accusations against Mouttet (who died himself in the event, because he stayed in St. Pierre at the moment of the eruption, evidently oblivious of the real danger) is that two books rectifying this bit of history were published just about the time THE VOLCANO ADVENTURE GUIDE went to the press. One of these books, which are cited below, is mentioned in the reference list as having just been released - too late for its important information to be incorporated in the VOLCANO ADVENTURE GUIDE. However, Lopes also cites a little French book published first in 1988, which documents the events leading up to the devastating event on 8 May 1902. This little book - "La montagne Pelée se réveille", by Simone Chrétien and Robert Brousse - explicitly denies most of the accusations against Mouttet, coming to the conclusion that nobody, at the time, could have known what Montagne Pelée held in store for the poor people of St. Pierre. The phenomenon that killed them - pyroclastic flows - was essentially unknown even to the few volcanologists of that time. It was this very event which led to the recognition of pyroclastic flows and their devastating, lethal potential.

For these reasons, I recommend all readers of this book who are interested in the Montagne Pelée - St. Pierre history to read at least one of the following two books (they were published just a few months apart at the 100th anniversary of the Martinique tragedy).

"The last days of St. Pierre: The Volcanic Disaster that Claimed 30,000 Lives" by Ernest Zebrowski (2002)

"LA Catastrophe: The Eruption of Mount Pelee, the Worst Volcanic Disaster of the 20th Century" by Alwyn Scarth (2002)

In summary, however, THE VOLCANO ADVENTURE GUIDE is an entertaining, friendly and very useful book - not only for those intending to visit volcanoes they have not visited before, but also for anybody interested in volcanoes. It is well illustrated, and the price is surprisingly low for a book of that quality. I hope that it will be so successful that Rosaly Lopes will release a second edition sometime, without the flaws that I stumbled about.

Boris Behncke - INGV, Catania, Sicily

Volcanologist and geophysicist Dr. Rosaly Lopez's new book is a must for everyone interested in volcanos.

The beautifully layouted and very cheap (compared to its quality) book starts with a virtual journey through the world's variety of volcanoes, then goes on to a general description of volcanism, its fundamental scientific concepts, that are accurately described in an easy-to-understand language. A detailed chapter is dedicated to giving practical information and lots of useful advise of how to best and actually visit a real volcano: essential preparation, equipment, information sources about the state of a volcano, volcano-related and other general hazards are carefully described, as well as how to minimize them.

The second part of the book,- my favourite,- picks a number of volcanoes that are all reasonably accessible, often active, and very well known to the author: From Hawai'i and Mt. St. Helens in the Cascades, the journey goes to Europe with the volcanoes in Italy and Greece, and elsewhere such as in Costa Rica. These volcanoes are presented with a solid scientific background such as their geologic history and geographical information, as well as carefully researched, rarely otherwise found stories that surround them. Then, pratical information is given of how to actually visit them, including tips for accommodation and travel, detailed maps and itineraries.

In particular, I enjoyed reading Rosaly's language, which is easy to read, accurate and up-to-date. At the same time, it is also warm and personal, sometimes spiced with subtle humor.

The book is definitively bridging the gap between the scientific community (who often do not like to share their priveledge in know-how of acessing a volcano to others) and the interested non-specialist wishing to see a live volcano.

As volcanologist and tour organizer to volcanoes myself (www.volcanodiscovery.com), I would strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in volcanoes, both from a scientific interest as well as from the pure pleasure of enjoying their exceptional beauty.

Excellent drawings, maps, and brilliant photographs round out the book.

Tom Pfeiffer - Hilo, Hawaii, 25 Feb. 2005

Are you a tourist? Do you want to see a volcano? An active volcano? Or maybe a geyser? Then this book is for you! Beautifully illustrated, with excellent maps, it tells all about what you can see and what it all means.

Rosaly Lopes, an award-winning volcanologist, describes the different types of volcanic eruptions, and then gives some advice and rules for visiting volcanoes safely. If you are serious about being in a potentially dangerous area, that means helmets, gas masks, gloves, sturdy boots, and eye protection. She also gives some advice on volcano photography.

Next are field guides to visiting specific volcanoes in Hawaii, the continental USA, Italy, Greece, Iceland, Costa Rica, and the West Indies. There's all kinds of material about each of the major volcanoes and geysers there. In addition, there is some practical advice. Don't carry a purse in Naples! Lopes had two of them stolen less than twelve hours apart there. In Iceland, we see a photo of the Viti ("Hell") crater with a thick layer of ice over part of it, proving that Hell can freeze over.

Lopes has personal accounts of her visits to many of these volcanoes. That includes her first visit to Arenal, which could have been dangerous and is used as an example to show the importance of knowing exactly where one is and just how dangerous the volcano is. And there's all sorts of anecdotal material. For example, Mount Kilimanjaro, a very beautiful African volcano was given as a birthday present from Queen Victoria to her grandson, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.

This entire book is simply fascinating. I highly recommend it.

"The Volcano Adventure Guide" by Rosaly Lopes inspires, educates and guides the reader to one of the last true remaining adventures: visiting active volcanoes. This book, destined to become a travel writing classic, fills and bridges an important gap between travel books, science books, and adventure guides. In today's globalized world with tourists traveling to every continent and climate zone on the planet, few sights and experiences remain as thrilling as the sight, feel, smell and sound of an active volcano. Rosaly Lopes' book achieves the rare goal of addressing several interested groups simultaneously: it provides the volcanophile of any background with all the information necessary for a safe and hassle-free visit; it introduces the non-scientist and dreamer of volcano adventures to a basic understanding of how volcanoes work; and at the same time serves as a useful reference to the career research scientist planning his or her research campaign.

This book contains a wealth of first-hand information and is very well researched, yet provides information in sufficiently concise form to keep the reader's interest. Dr. Lopes' style of writing is smooth and easily understandable, even to non-native English speakers. This book is also highly recommended for older children and teens, who will love the many amazing and beautiful photographs, as well as the accessible teachings on volcanos.

This quickly became my new favorite book, and I have kept it on my coffee table within easy reach ever since. Its content, depth, style and accuracy is unprecedented in the field of volcano travel writing, and it is also a very visually appealing book with great photography and maps. This book is a must-read - prepare to have your dreams inspired, and to be compelled to go out into the world to explore volcanoes!

The Volcano Adventure Guide by Rosaly Lopes (a planetary volcanism expert for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California) is a marvel for both amateur volcano enthusiasts and professional volcanologists. Written especially for those who desire to personally explore volcanoes without being foolish or taking reckless risks, chapters are packed with advice for preparing for a volcano trip, including how to avoid common dangers, contact details for societies and holiday companies offering volcano tours, geological and travel maps, tour descriptions of 42 different volcanoes and much more. As enjoyable for the armchair traveler as it is for the gung-ho enthusiast determined to see a volcano up close and personal, The Volcano Adventure Guide is a delight enhanced with full-color photographs cover to cover.

This book is written very well and it's incredible how many world volcanoes it covers. There are plenty of exciting photographs and explanations throughout the entire book--it could keep me busy for hours just looking at the pictures.

From a student of volcanology's point of view, I wish there had been more detailed information on the hazards and particulars of visiting some or all of the volcanoes. It seems to be very much so directed at the typical layperson reader.

Fun for anyone but mostly for people planning a vacation in volcano tourism or those wanting to get a great tour by the book alone.

A beautiful book that exceeded my expectations, which were pretty high to begin with. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the Hawaiian volcanos, which I had never fully appreciated or understood until now. Having heard Rosaly Lopes speak on several occasions, her unique style - clear, precise and also very personal - comes through in the text. She is the guide you would want to accompany you to any of the volcanic sites discussed in the book, whether on Earth or Io. This is the next best thing.

Excellent book - best I have read on volcanoes. Just returned from Sicily where I was able to climb some distance upon Mt. Etna. Reading the section on Mt. Etna enhanced my experience even more. This book is great for anyone interested in volcanoes.. learning how beautiful and scary they can be! M. Shilling

Lots of good info from a volcanologist on all aspects of visiting volcanos, including safety ratings for each. You will want to get your airline tickets right away!