Choice Selects Furnace of Creation, Cradle of Destruction as an Outstanding Academic Title of 2009

Choice has selected Furnace of Creation, Cradle of Destruction: A Journey to the Birthplace of Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis by Roy Chester, Ph.D. as one of their Outstanding Academic Titles of 2009.

The books that have selected for Choice’s OAT list, comprising just over 9 percent of the titles reviewed by Choice, have been selected for their excellence in scholarship and presentation, the significance of their contribution to the field, and their value as important—often the first-treatment of the subject.

Here is the Choice review of Furnace of Creation, Cradle of Destruction:

Eminently readable! This outstanding book by outstanding scientist and writer Chester (ret., oceanography, Univ. of Liverpool, UK) treats the human and scientific evolution of ideas and understanding of volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis in remarkably simple, concise language. The story evolves historically, covering major topics beginning with myths/ legends, the age of the Earth and changes occurring on Earth, the battles between religion and science, and evolving geological discoveries on land and sea. The book discusses continental drift, plate tectonics, interrelations between and making sense of volcanoes and earthquakes, seafloor spreading and deep oceans, astonishing biological discoveries in the ocean, mutual relations and dependencies of “everything,” a trinity of disasters (volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis), and predicting and mitigating these disasters. This book provides a clear explanation of the origins and workings of the ‘disaster trinities’ and their influences on human lives. A rare and refreshing read! Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** All collections.” (T.L.T. Grose, emeritus, Colorado School of Mines)

Thank you to Choice for selecting Furnace of Creation, Cradle of Destruction as an Outstanding Academic Title of 2009!