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Krakatau 1883, The Volcanic Eruption and Its Effects


by Tom Simkin, Richard S. Fiske

List Price: $27.50
6 Used starting at: $75.05
Sales Rank: 1071082
Studio: Smithsonian
Binding: Paperback
Number Of Pages: 464
Publication Date: January 17, 1984
Publisher: Smithsonian


CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 3 reviews)

The definitive work on the Krakatoa volcano and eruption  
This book far outdoes any of its rival works on the Krakatoa volcano, particularly with respect to its stupendous eruption of 1883. Instead of selectively culling lay and expert observations and reports about this phenomenal event, nearly all available reports are reproduced, verbatim, in chronological order, giving the reader an excellent view into the prologue to the great blast that was heard 3,000 miles away on August 27, 1883.

Of particular interest is Professor VerBeek's post-eruption analysis of what took place at the climax of the explosions. Although the events were unprecedented in terms of formal scientific experience, VerBeek's report has largely stood the test of time and subsequent discovery, and remains a singularly epochal advance in the science of volcanology.

The book requires some background in volcano study to be most completely understood, but any person with a high school background in physical science will comprehend most of it easily.

Illustrations and diagrams are somewhat wanting. However, the excellence and organization of the textual materials overcomes this for the most part.

I greatly enjoyed this book, which came as a surprise Christmas present, and I will reread it a number times. I recommmend it highly to all readers, even the rofessional geologist.
April 18, 2006

Technical but VERY Interesting  
Though this book goes deeper into the technical aspects of the eruption, it is a fascinating read composed of many witness accounts. All areas of the event are covered in great detail, yet it is thoroughly explained so the average reader will understand. Lots of reading here, but I highly recommend it for anyone with a fascination for one of history's most notable natural disasters.
May 01, 2005

highly technical  
How much did you want to know?

This book has a lot of information. Countless accounts from witnesses. Plenty of technical data, though it is well explained. Some of the theories are a little passe, but I think it is well worth reading anyway. Theories come and go, but the hard data will always be good.
October 10, 2004
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