Items related to Vesuvius: A Biography
Synopsis
Vesuvius is one of the most dangerous volcanoes on Earth. Its story is fascinating - not only its rich geological and geographical history, but also the changing social, religious and intellectual impact that the volcano has always had upon the people living around it. Hence, this book is truly a biography of a formidable and richly colourful living entity.
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From the Back Cover
"A superb biography of a live volcano whose intermittent eruptions led to the burial of unsuspecting multitudes, triggered religious fervor, inspired Western literature, revived Roman architecture, and invited Campanian intrigue."--Jelle Zeilinga de Boer, coauthor of Volcanoes in Human History
"Vesuvius is a great overview of events at Vesuvius and the Phlegrean Fields through the eyes of the people who witnessed the historical eruptions. I especially enjoyed descriptions of the eruptions during the sixteenth through eighteenth centuries, and how these affected attitudes toward the church and monarchs at that time."--Grant Heiken, coauthor of The Seven Hills of Rome
About the Author
Alwyn Scarth is the author of numerous books, including Savage Earth (HarperCollins), Vulcan's Fury, and La Catastrophe.
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- PublisherLiverpool University Press
- Publication date2009
- ISBN 10 1903544254
- ISBN 13 9781903544259
- BindingHardcover
- Number of pages352
- Rating
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Vesuvius: A Biography
Published by
Liverpool University Press, United Kingdom, Liverpool, 2009
ISBN 10: 1903544254
ISBN 13: 9781903544259
Used
Paperback
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Vesuvius is one of the most dangerous volcanoes on Earth. Its story is fascinating - not only its rich geological and geographical history, but also the changing social, religious and intellectual impact that the volcano has always had upon the people living around it. Hence, this book is truly a biography of a formidable and richly colourful living entity.Volcanoes are not passive like other mountains, and Vesuvius has been less passive than most volcanoes. It is the paramount natural feature in the whole region of Campania in southern Italy, and the constant rival of the turbulent city of Naples that lies at its heart. Volcano and city have played a dominant role on the stage of Campania since the first literate Greek colonists settled there some 3000 years ago. The Campanians have never been able to remember with serenity, nor to orget with impunity, that theirs is a volcanic land. Vesuvius threatens in the east; a rash of smaller volcanoes riddle the landscape of the Campi Flegrei to the west; and between them lie Naples and a host of busy towns.For many centuries, the people believed that the Underworld lurked beneath the ground itself. The ways in which the people have interpreted the habits and behaviour of the volcano have given it a distinct personality, and an almost anthropomorphic quality. Vesuvius has been as capricious as a spoilt courtesan. During its more tempestuous outbursts, it has destroyed homes and whole villages, and sent thousands of people to the Underworld. In calmer times, the destructive lava and ash then weathered into soils of such exquisite fertility that they recalled legends of a Golden Age.Some of that character has been manifested in the behaviour of the Campanians. They have watched their volcano, and they have watched over it; they have suffered from its fits of temper; they have feared and revered it; they have taken out images of their patron saints to propitiate it; and they have taken it to their hearts. Vesuvius has played a part in Campanian society that has been perhaps surpassed only by the strongest of rulers - or, more recently, by the bosses of the notorious parallel government that holds sway in the region. And, of course, Vesuvius buried Pompeii. Vesuvius threatens its surroundings today.The development of contingency plans for its next great eruption shows that scientists can apply the latest techniques to discover when the next eruption is about to occur, but also how such plans meet with a range of opposition from the people under threat. 'Vesuvius: A Biography' is based on the latest research and also on a prudent appraisal of contemporary historical accounts. Wherever possible, the story is based on eye-witness accounts; many are graphic word portraits the equal of photography and television coverage. Fresh translation of classical source material features extensively. Written with the non-specialist reader in mind, the book will be compelling reading for not only geologists and geographers but also emergency planners and all those fascinated by the dramatic face of the Earth and eager to explore its rich human dimensions as much as its spectacular physical processes.This is a complete history of the relationship between one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world and the many people who live perilously close to it. With new translations of classical sources, the story comes up to today and the ominous future. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR007741101
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Vesuvius: A Biography
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Vesuvius : A Biography
Published by
Liverpool University Press, 2009
ISBN 10: 1903544254
ISBN 13: 9781903544259
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Better World Books Ltd, Dunfermline, United Kingdom
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Condition: Very Good. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 49453308-20
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Vesuvius: A Biography
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Dunedin Academic Press Ltd., 2009
ISBN 10: 1903544254
ISBN 13: 9781903544259
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Condition: Used - Like New. 2009. Hardcover. Fine. Dust Jacket is Fine. Seller Inventory # C33534
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Vesuvius: A Biography
Published by
Dunedin Academic Press Ltd., 2009
ISBN 10: 1903544254
ISBN 13: 9781903544259
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Powell's Bookstores Chicago, ABAA, Chicago, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Used - Very Good. 2009. Hardcover. Cloth, d.j. Some shelf-wear. Else clean copy. Very Good. Seller Inventory # SON000034901
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Vesuvius : a biography
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Harpenden : Terra Publishing, 2009
ISBN 10: 1903544254
ISBN 13: 9781903544259
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Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: MW Books, New York, NY, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
First Edition. Fine cloth copy in an equally fine dust-wrapper. Particularly well-preserved overall; tight, bright, clean and especially sharp-cornered. Physical description: ix, 352 p. : ill., maps ; 24 cm. Subjects: Volcanology & seismology Italy ; fiction. Vesuvius (Italy) History ; fiction. Genre: Historical fiction. Language: English. 1 Kg. Seller Inventory # 357391
Quantity: 1 available
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Vesuvius : a biography
Published by
Harpenden : Terra Publishing, 2009
ISBN 10: 1903544254
ISBN 13: 9781903544259
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: MW Books Ltd., Galway, Ireland
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
First Edition. Fine cloth copy in an equally fine dust-wrapper. Particularly well-preserved overall; tight, bright, clean and especially sharp-cornered. Physical description: ix, 352 p. : ill., maps ; 24 cm. Subjects: Volcanology & seismology Italy ; fiction. Vesuvius (Italy) History ; fiction. Genre: Historical fiction. Language: English. 1 Kg. Seller Inventory # 357391
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Vesuvius - A Biography
Seller: Jason Books, Auckland, AUCKL, New Zealand
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Hardback wuth dustjacket. The volcano that has fascinated scientists, writers, and poets for two millennia Capricious, vibrant, and volatile, Vesuvius has been and remains one of the world's most dangerous volcanoes. In its rage, it has destroyed whole cities and buried thousands alive. In its calm, its ashes have fertilized the soil, providing for the people who have lived in its shadows. For over two millennia, the dynamic presence of this volcano has fascinated scientists, artists, writers, and thinkers, and inspired religious fervor, Roman architecture, and Western literature. In Vesuvius, Alwyn Scarth draws from the latest research, classical and eyewitness accounts, and a diverse range of other sources to tell the riveting story of this spectacular natural phenomenon. Scarth follows Vesuvius across time, examining the volcano's destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 A.D., its eruptions during the Counter-Reformation that were viewed as God's punishment of sinners, and the building of the world's first volcano observatory on Vesuvius in the 1840s. Scarth explores the volcano's current position overlooking a population of more than three million people and the complex attitudes maintained by the residents, at once reverent, protective, and fearful. He also considers the next major eruption of Vesuvius, which experts have indicated could be the most powerful since 1631. The longer Vesuvius remains dormant, the more violent its reawakening will be, and despite scientific advances for predicting when this might occur, more people are vulnerable than ever before. Exploring this celebrated wonder from scientific, historical, and cultural perspectives, Vesuvius provides a colorful portrait of a formidable force of nature. 1.8 Centimeters X 15.6 Centimeters X 23.4 Centimeters. Seller Inventory # 16718071
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Vesuvius: A Biography
Published by
Terra Publishing, 2009
ISBN 10: 1903544254
ISBN 13: 9781903544259
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Henffordd Books, Herefordshire, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. Slight rubbing to edges of dust-jacket, now protected using removable clear wrap, otherwise in excellent condition. Next day dispatch by Royal Mail in sturdy, recyclable packaging. 1000's of satisfied customers! Please contact us with any enquiries. Seller Inventory # 020872
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Vesuvius: A Biography
Seller: Anytime Books, London, United Kingdom
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Cloth. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. A wonderfully detailed study. pp.ix.342. DW in archival sleeve. Seller Inventory # 009718
Quantity: 1 available