Presents some of the worst volcanic catastrophes in historical times from Vesuvius in AD 79 to Pinatubo in 1991. It's an interesting book, and shows how volcanoes have different characters and eruptions have a number of ways how to kill anything that's alive nearby. Somewhat graphic descriptions from eyewitnesses etc. Interesting choice of events, I hadn't read of Monte Nuovo, Öraefajökull, Lanzarote, Cosegüina and Paricutin before, but had read about 9 others that are in the book.
This is well written, historically accurate and utterly enthralling series of accounts of some of the world's biggest and most spectacular eruptions. Well researched, this book gives you the science behind the eruptions as well as the illustrating the incredible power that comes from these eruptions. Eye witness accounts describe the effects of the eruptions and how many of these impacts could've been avoided through better decision making and public awareness. A brilliant read