Volcano /

Volcano /

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Bibliographic Details
Author / Creator:Hamilton, James, 1948-
Imprint:London, UK : Reaktion Books, c2012.
Description:208 p. : ill. ; 21 cm.
Language:English
Series:Earth series
Earth series (Reaktion Books (Firm))
Subject:
Volcanoes in art.
Volcanic eruptions -- Social aspects.
Volcanoes -- Mythology.
Volcanic eruptions.
Volcanoes.
Volcanoes in art.
Volcanoes -- Mythology.
Volcanoes -- Social aspects.
Format: Print Book
URL for this record:http://pi.lib.uchicago.edu/1001/cat/bib/8849356
Hidden Bibliographic Details
Varying Form of Title:Volcano : nature and culture
ISBN:9781861899170 : $24.95
1861899173
Notes:Includes bibliographical references (p. 184-198) and index.
Summary:"For years, tourists have trekked across cracked rock at Hawaii's Kilauea volcano to witness the awe-inspiring sight of creeping lava and its devastating effects on the landscape. In 2010, Eyjafjallajökull erupted in Iceland, stranding travellers as a cloud of ash covered western and northern Europe, causing the largest disruption of air travel since the Second World War. And just a few months later, Mount Merapi blew in Indonesia, killing over 350 people and displacing over 350,000 others, awakening people once more to the dangerous potential of these sleeping giants. Though today largely dormant, volcanoes continue to erupt across the world, reminding us of their sheer physical power. In Volcano, James Hamilton explores the cultural history generated by the violence and terrifying beauty of volcanoes. He describes the reverberations of early eruptions of Vesuvius and Etna in Greek and Roman myth. Volcanoes have long been subjects in art -- the earliest known wall painting of an erupting volcano was painted in 6,200 BCE -- and Hamilton shows that volcanoes continue to influence the artistic imagination, as seen, for example, in the distinctive colours of Andy Warhol and Michael Sandle's exploding mountains. Including works by famous artists, such as Salvator Rosa, Wright of Derby, Hokusai and Hiroshige, as well as previously little-known paintings, prints, drawings and photographs, this richly illustrated book will appeal to anyone interested in the science as well as the artistic impact of these spectacular natural phenomena."--P. [2] of cover.
Review by Choice Review

These books are the first in Reaktion's "Earth" series, which focuses on the cultural and historical significance of natural features and phenomena. They follow a similar format and are richly enhanced by spectacular photographs and artwork. By blending scientific and artistic content, these books may be useful to undergraduates from a wide range of disciplines. Volcano examines the influence of volcanoes on art and culture throughout the world. Hamilton (art historian, Univ. of Birmingham, UK; Turner's Britain, CH, Mar'04, 41-3850) curated an art exhibit on volcanoes that served as the inspiration for this book. With the help of 104 striking illustrations (85 in color), the author describes artists' perceptions of volcanoes from early myths to the present, with particular emphasis on the eruptions of Vesuvius and Krakatoa. Examples of the impact of volcanoes on literature, poetry, and political cartoons are included. Students interested in the geologic aspects of volcanoes may want to also consult more technical books, such as John Lockwood's Volcanoes: Global Perspectives (CH, Nov'10, 48-1487) or Jelle Zeilinga de Boer's Volcanoes in Human History (CH, Jun'02, 39-5828).Waterfall includes wide-ranging chapters on how waterfalls are formed, their ecological importance, their use in landscape and urban design, and their role in water power and as tourist destinations, along with their beauty, allure, and current threats. Hudson (urban and regional planning, Queensland Univ. of Technology, Brisbane, Australia) provides examples of how waterfalls have inspired literature, music, paintings, and photography, which may be helpful to students in landscape design, art, natural resources, and geography. Both books are written in a nontechnical style and have an interdisciplinary, international focus. The high-quality illustrations scattered throughout each chapter are a major strength. The humanities perspective provides a fresh look at two remarkable natural phenomena. Summing Up: Recommended. All academic, general, and professional audiences. N. Sprague University of Idaho

Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review

The Margaret G. Browne Book Fund bookplate

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