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Fire in the Sea: The Santorini Volcano: Natural History and the Legend of Atlantis

Fire in the Sea: The Santorini Volcano: Natural History and the Legend of Atlantis

by Alexander R. McBirney (Author), Walter L. Friedrich (Author)

  • Used

    Hardcover 2000

    $6.03
Synopsis

When the Greek island of Santorini, or Thera, erupted dramatically in the seventeenth or sixteenth century BC, it produced one of the largest explosions ever witnessed by humankind. The event covered Bronze Age settlements on the island with volcanic ash, and altered the course of civilisation in the region, possibly giving rise to the legend of Atlantis. Fire in the Sea blends the thrill of scientific discovery with a popular presentation of the geology, archaeology, history, peoples and environmental setting of Santorini. It is a case study of a natural disaster that will fire the imagination. Excellent colour photographs and illustrations along with easily understandable scientific and historic details make this book highly appealing to a wide audience. It will also be useful as a supplementary text for introductory courses in earth and atmospheric science, geology, volcanology, palaeoclimatology, as well as ancient history and archaeology.

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
 Pages: 272
 Edition: illustrated edition
 Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 11 May 2000
ISBN 10: 0521652901
ISBN 13: 9780521652902
Book Overview: Fascinating full-colour book describing the effects of the Minoan eruption on Santorini.

Media Reviews
'This book, with its clear text and superb illustrations, is a suitable geological complement to the lavishly illustrated publications of Santorini's archaeological remains. Those wishing to place those remains in a physical context will find it most rewarding.' John Bennet, The Times Higher Education Supplement
'Where the book really excels is that all facets seem to have been treated with comparable, if not equal, authority. The geology is dealt with thoroughly ... Historical and archaeological evidence is thoroughlt integrated and the whole forms a coherent story ... excellent photographs and clear diagrams ... The science is clear and thorough but not condescending and the author conveys thorough knowledge and enthusiasm for the region ... an excellent read for anyone contemplating a visit to any volcanic island and would be essential preparation for a visit to Santorini. It is the sort of book one would return to ... excellent value.' Bulletin of the British Ecological Society
' ... Santorini exploded in 1600 BC producing one of the largest explosions ever witnessed by humans. The story of why it blew - and the consequences - is superbly detailed and illustrated in Friedrich's book.' Douglas Palmer, Focus Magazine
'Fire in the Seas gives an excellent account of the archaeological and geological history of Santorini ... [it] could be used in an introductory course of geology, but it is written for a far wider audience. Its lavish color photographs, drawings and computer graphics will have broad appeal. Anyone who is interested in earth science, history or archaeology will find an abundance of information about Santorini and about modern methods of geological and archaeological research.' Svend Erik Rasmussen, Geologisk Institut, Aarhus
'... a lavishly illustrated book about the volcanic explosion of the Greek island of Santorini ... a painstaking account ... The photographs and diagrams are truly enlightening ... a genuine education in the enormous power of the Earth to shake up the landscape.' National Geographic 'Adventure'
'... a handsome book that tells a fascinating story.' Dr Richard A. F. Grieve, Episodes
'Fire in the Sea deals with all major aspects of the history of Santorini from the perspective of science and scholarship. ... However, this is much more than a geology book ... The book is beautifully produced and illustrated with outstanding colour diagrams and photographs, and is also well written, making it a very pleasing book to read and own. ... Walter Friedrich's book is the broadest and most accessible contribution. It is beautifully illustrated, clearly written and I can strongly recommend it to both professional geologists and the wider world.' R. S. J. Sparks, Geological Magazine
'... a fascinating account of geological and historical aspects of this jewel of the Aegean, the island of Santorini.' Sigurour Steinporsson, Joekull
'If you are looking for a book to add distinction to your coffee table, this one is a good choice ... handsomely produced, beautifully laid out, lavishly illustrated with carefully chosen photographs ... and crammed with information boxes, diagrams and tables.' History Now
'... arguably the best general scientific introduction to one of the most significant volcanic eruptions known, and would make an excellent companion for any geologist or archaeologist (amateur or professional) travelling to the beautiful Cycladic island itself.' Clive Oppenheimer, Earth-Science Reviews
' ... a popular book that makes science accessible, and proves that true accounts can be better than fiction.' Journal of Hellenic Studies
Friedrich capably summarizes that archaeological discovery, complete with the notion that the Ninoan civilization inspired Plato's reference to Atlantis. Booklist
...a welcome addition to studies of the Cycladic island of Santorini. Walter L. Friedrich's many years of geological research are synthesized in a well-illustrated mongraph...Refreshingly, Friedrich has no academic axes to grind; his aim throughout is to provide information basic to understanding a pivotal natural event in the prehistoric Aegean. Historian
...Santorini exploded in 1600 BC producing one of the largest explosions ever witnessed by humans. The story of why it blew--and the consequences--is superbly detailed and illustrated in Friedrich's book. Focus Magazine
Where the book really excels is that all facets seem to have been treated with comparable, if not equal, authority...The book has excellent photographs and clear diagrams in a large format but it is no mere coffee-table publication. The science is clear and thorough but not condescending and the author conveys thorough knowledge and enthusiasm for the region. It would be an excellent read for anyone contemplating a visit to any volcanic island and would be essential preparation for a visit to Santorini. It is the sort of book one would return to...it is an excellent value. Bulletin of the British Ecological Society
Lavishly illustrated...a painstaking account...a genuine education in the enormous power of the Earth to shake up the landscape. National Geographic's Adventure Magazine
This in-depth survey of the Santorini volcano's natural history and its connections to the Atlantis legend will hold special appeal for students of volcanism and geology...packed with color photos of the volcano, relics, excavations, and maps; and it includes in-depth discussions of volcanism in general. An outstanding, involving account for the dedicated student of geology. Midwest Book Review
...a unique case study of a natural disaster in a plate tectonic framework and historical context...Lucid writing, ample high-quality color photographs and illustrations, and creative combination of scientific language with historical details make fascinating reading. Highly recommended. Choice
An outstanding, involving account for the dedicated student of geology. The Bookwatch
...an excellent account of the archaeological and geological history of Santorini...Its lavish color photographs, drawings and computer graphics will have broad appeal. It is indicative of the book's quality that the new archaelogical museum at Santorini displays passages from it. American Scientist
Friedrich brings the story up to date, and summarizes the geologic and archeological studies that support this conclusion in a style that should appeal to general readers and specialists...is a detailed look at the geologic framework. Society of Exploration Geophysicists