Disasters (Single Subject Reference) - Hardcover

Halley, Ned

  • 3.88 out of 5 stars
    8 ratings by Goodreads
 
9780753452219: Disasters (Single Subject Reference)

Synopsis

Throughout history there have been sudden, terrible events that have shaken the world. Sometimes they are natural disasters, such as the catastrophic eruption of the island of Krakatau or the devastating Tokyo earthquake of 1923, while others are man-made, ranging from the infamous sinking of the Titanic to the deadly Chernobyl meltdown of 1986. This fascinating book delves into the causes of both natural and man-made disasters, and studies people's attempts to learn from them. Dramatic, full-color illustrations and photographs depict the natural calamities that sometimes confront life on our planet, including tsunamis, tornadoes, pandemics, volcanic eruptions, asteroid impacts, and earthquakes, not to mention cataclysms of man's own making, such as airplane crashes, radioactive fallout, and fuel-spills from oil tankers. Informative text and captions explore the causes and consequences of these events, and make this a valuable reference for any budding environmentalist. The book concludes with a look at environmental dangers, such as global warming, and suggests some of the ways in which they might be avoided. Includes a glossary and comprehensive index.

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About the Author

Ned Halley is the author of a number of children's books. He has contributed to such bestsellers as How To Do Just About Anything, and How Is It Done? A former director of the US publisher Rodale Press, Ned now writes from his home in Somerset, England.

Reviews

Grade 4-7-Using a survey approach, Halley describes some of the world's worst disasters and forecasts potential catastrophes. The first two sections introduce "Natural Disasters" and "Man-Made Disasters." Each one has a world map showing where and when the events occurred, followed by a series of two-page illustrated spreads that describe specific events. Disasters as diverse as the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79, the London Bridge fire in 1212, and the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986 are included. The third section centers on "Medical threats," global warming, and overpopulation. All entries are illustrated with attractive, brightly colored photographs, charts, drawings, and maps. The book is a competent but limited introduction to the topic. Readers seeking more in-depth information might try the "When Disaster Strikes" series (21st Century).
Elizabeth Stumpf, Clearfield Middle School, PA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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