Super Volcanoes

Fascinating.... The science writing is consistently exciting and illuminating and kept me reading into the wee hours.... Using his storytelling skills, Mr. Andrews offers us a solar system resembling a 'boundless library, one full of books whose words are written in volcanic ink.' -- Robert M. Thorson - Wall Street Journal Andrews is in awe of his subjects; his zeal is obvious.... his attentive reporting will be enjoyed by both the magma-curious and anyone who just wants to wonder at some of the strangest, strongest forces in the universe. -- Tess Joosse - Scientific American [Andrews] weaves a path through some of the most important recent eruptions and discoveries.... [and] provides illuminating analogies that capture the uncertainty and unknowns of volcanology. -- Erik Klemetti - Washington Post Andrews takes readers on a Cook's tour of volcanoes near and far, fuelling a broader curiosity about our planet and its place in the solar system.... He is at his best when discussing those who live in the shadow of volcanoes and, especially, the scientists who study them.... What volcanoes provide is an invitation to explore and wonder, with experts, at the stories they tell, as well as the possibility of looking at the Earth with new eyes. Supervolcanoes may be rare, but as Andrews makes clear, super volcanoes are everywhere. -- Andrew H. Knoll - Times Literary Supplement Delightful. Robin George Andrews brings his expertise and enthusiasm to bear on this explosive subject, vividly connecting the Hadean underworld of magma to the human one above, and inviting the reader into the ongoing quest to understand volcanoes' secrets-on Earth and far beyond. -- Peter Brannen, author of The Ends of the World: Volcanic Apocalypses, Lethal Oceans, and Our Quest to Understand Earth's Past Mass Extinctions Dr. Robin Andrews takes us on an explosive, gassy, messy adventure decoding the epic hot mess that is volcanism on Earth and far beyond. If volcanoes have ever triggered even a minor explosion of fear, excitement, awe, confusion, or curiosity for you: Read. This. Book. -- Dr. Janine Krippner, volcanologist, Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program I always suspected that volcanoes were the most amazing things on Earth, but I never knew that they're also the most amazing things in the entire solar system. Andrews is a deeply informed and endlessly enthusiastic guide to these geological marvels. -- Steve Olson, author of Eruption and The Apocalypse Factory Andrews takes us on the adventure of a geological lifetime in Super Volcanoes, a masterwork which explores the engines of our world and of those throughout the solar system. We do not go alone on this epic journey, we are accompanied by those who have shared with us their colorful lived experiences and expertise which, when combined with a molten rock theme, means this is certainly no cold, hard science piece, but one of great humanity and scientific depth. -- James O'Donoghue, Planetary Scientist, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Dr. Robin George Andrews wields the dual instruments of scientific training and journalistic curiosity with expert precision in Super Volcanoes. His skillful blend of storytelling and science fact sheds light into the dark crevasses of the human psyche, so often primed to fear volcanoes-yet another misunderstood feature of our natural world. Andrews's work gives voice to the wonder, the devastation, and the awe of being human in a world shaped by forces far outside of our control, yet still tantalizingly within reach for the scientists brave enough to heed the call of the volcanic unknown. -- Jess Phoenix, volcanologist and author of Ms. Adventure: My Wild Explorations in Science, Lava, and Life Enlightening.... Andrews does a superb job making complex geology accessible to more casual readers, and offers vivid descriptions of the forces behind both active and ancient volcanoes. As entertaining as it is informative, this is science writing done right. -- Publishers Weekly, starred review Like the charismatic time-traveling hero of [Doctor Who], this book by science journalist Andrews escorts readers on an adventure through space and time to the many volcanoes inhabiting this world and beyond.... With references to pop culture ... and a literary flair, this is the Baedeker of volcanoes, guiding readers through the world of volcanology. -- Library Journal, starred review A fine introduction to a spectacular geological phenomenon.... [a] fascinating scientific adventure. Everything you ever wanted to know about volcanoes in expert hands. -- Kirkus