Island on Fire

"A revealing new volume. Chapters on geology and the short- and long-term effects of volcanic eruptions add depth to Witze and Kanipe's discussion, rounding out a work that serves as a valuable reminder of just how much we remain at Mother Nature's mercy." -- Publishers Weekly "Deftly interweaving information compiled by naturalists and astronomers of the day (and even Benjamin Franklin, who was in Paris during the eruption) with interviews with modern-day scientists and historians, the authors provide a captivating overview of an eruption." -- Science News "Witze and Kanipe have written a compelling and engrossing story of Laki and its worldwide impact. As the best book authors do, they have also ferreted out facts and examples that make their specific story one with implications for modern readers. It is a book that will surely make you want to go to Iceland, or at least pay careful heed to the next time one if its many volcanoes erupt." -- The Seattle Times "A terrific, disturbing book. In their fast-paced, enjoyable text the authors show how vulnerable we remain to the most unpredictable of natural disasters." -- Gillian Darley, author of VESUVIUS "A story for the ages. But beneath the barrage of devastation lies an even more profound story: why do we forget these dangers?" -- Dr. Lindy Elkins-Tanton, Carnegie Institution for Science "A brilliant book. While Iceland's volcanology became front-page news in 2010 when Eyjafjallajokull grounded flights across Europe for almost a week, Kanipe and Witze situate that recent eruption in the country's tragic volcanic history and volatile geology." -- Casey N. Cep - Pacific Standard "For those with an interest in history and/or geology." -- The Birdbooker Report/Nature.com