VOLCANOES IN ACTION

A blend of science and legend this tells the stories of famous volcanic eruptions -- Paricutin, Vesuvius, Mount Pelee, Katmai, Ladsen Peak and others -- describes varying volcanic formations -leaf plateau, caldera, shield dome -- differentiates between dormant and extinct volcanoes and reviews some of the primitive customs practised to appease volcanic gods. The overall effect is historical, rather than technical and geared to a less science minded audience than Volcanoes and Earthquakes (reviewed in this issue.) The organization is not as tight as the latter, but the text is eminently readable because of its dramatic overtones.