This book looks at volcanism and how it has changed over time. It begins with ancient theories about volcanoes and continues to modern times. The last great change in thinking happened in the 18th and 19th centuries when the belief that volcanoes were powered by underground coal fires was disproven. I found this book to be quite informative, although somewhat dull.

This book was written shortly before the author's death in May, 1991. He died in a pyroclastic flow from Mt Unzen in Kyushu, Japan. Kraft's lifelong passion was volcanoes, and his wife, fellow volcanologist, Katia Krafft, who died with him, were widely renowned for their skill and daring in obtaining the very best in photos of erupting volcanoes, and for their help to many in predicting eruptions and otherwise forwarding the science and popularity of volcanology.

This particular book traces the history of volcano study from rank superstition to the latest in science at the time of the author's death. Numerous passeges from others' writings are set forth as part of a very well conceived and edited text. Numerous color photographs, old etchings, and other photographic and artistic aids augment and explain the fine writing.

Volcano buffs, from the lay reader to the USGS expert, will appreciate and enjoy this book immensely. Be one of them.

This book, written by Maurice Krafft, is very well illustrated and "pocket sized". It was recommended for a trip, but I have used it as a reference for my teaching of geology. Krafft was well known for his risk-taking photography, and this seems a tribute to his work. If you have an interest in volcanoes and geology, this is your book.