Review
------
'Oppenheimer does not shy away from difficult
concepts, and as part of a more modern of magma
vesiculation (bubble formation) he presents a skilful precis of
Yuri Siezin's catastrophe theory model, whereby a slight change
in the pressure driving up a conduit can trigger an enormous
change in magma ascent velocity.' Times Higher Education
Supplement, April 2004.
`Review from previous edition 'the work is organized around the
styles of volcanism found on the earth ... the lay reader is
skilfully guided around or over the technical hurdles without the
storyline being lost and perseverance, when it is needed, is
rewarded by many fascinating details about
particular eruptions ... the thoroughness and range of the
coverage in the text make this an excellent adjunct to the
reading list for even a postgraduate course in volcanology ...
Francis has succeeded in producing an extremely readable,
entertaining, authoritative and informative work that should
bring a better appreciation of modern volcanology to a wide
audience.''
L. Wilson, Nature August, 07/09/1993
`'the lay readers is skilfully guided around or over the
technical hurdles without the storyline being lost; and
perseverance, when it is needed, is rewarded by many fascinating
details about particular eruptions ... the thoroughness and range
of the coverage in the text make this an excellent
adjunct to the reading list for even a postgraduate course in
volcanology ... Francis has succeeded in producing an extremely
readable, entertaining, authoritative and informative work that
should bring a better appreciation of modern volcanology to a
wide audience.''
Lionel Wilson, University of Lancaster, Nature, Vol. 364, August
1993
`'This is simply the best book I have seen on the science that
underlies modern understanding of volcanology - and on top of
that it is a pleasure to read ... a coherent and lively overview
of his field, from historical accounts of great eruptions to
lavas on Mars and elsewhere ... it is
difficult to put down, principally because of Francis's lively
style ... His lucid style and individual ... voice entices
committed and casual readers alike. This is the book for all
those who have wondered why and how volcanoes erupt as they do,
and are prepared to think a little to find out ...
what makes this text so compelling is the sense of contact with
research. Francis refers throughout to the scientists involved -
what they saw and how they interpreted their observations.''
Sue er, New Scientist, September 1993
`'In an easy-to-read style, he has produced a scholarly work that
is a suitable text both for earth and environmental science
students and for those who wish to know more about this important
natural process. The book is extremely well illustrated with
high-quality drawings and photographs.
This is a good follow-up to the author's earlier and highly
successful book on the same subject.''
Times Higher Education Supplement
`'This is above all a very readable account of one of the Earth's
fundamental geological processes and as such will appeal equally
to students of geology and geography, nonspets, and the
general reader. The book is magnificently illustrated and the
author writes from first hand
experience of research in this field.''
Aslib Book Guide, Vol. 59, No. 3, March 1994
`'targeted specifically to a popular audience. It went on to
achieve considerable success, in part because of its accessible
style, low price, and lack of competitors ... Francis has written
a highly personal discourse, focusing on those volcanoes and
topics that most captivate him ... it is
Francis's subtle appreciation of how volcanoes work that really
sets this book apart.''
Science, Vol 263, 21 January 1994
`'Graduates would find much new material of interest and plenty
of references for further study.''
OUGS Journal 16.1, Spring Edition 1995
`'In part, reading this book is simply a pleasure, as Francis and
Oppenheimer write very clear and precise, adding occasionally the
odd joke...To the present writer, this book is the best work on
volcanoes and volcanology...the clarity of the presentation makes
this book very readable for the
educated non-special...I thus conclude: simply the best!''
Dr Ulrich Knittel, http://vulkanismus.de/reviews/volcs_eng.html
`'In my opinion Dr Oppenheimer has combined the original work
with new material to produce a superb book which is a pleasure to
read and at a modest price it should be on the book list of
everyone interested in volcanology''
Elizabeth Maddocks OUGS Journal 25 (2) Symposium Edition 2004.
Read more ( javascript:void(0) )
About the Author
----------------
The late Dr. Peter Francis was a Reader in the Department of
Earth Sciences at the Open University and Visiting Professor at
the University of Hawaii. Dr. Clive Oppenheimer is a University
Lecturer in the Department of Geography at the University of
Cambridge.
Read more ( javascript:void(0) )
