Volcanoes in Human History

The Far-Reaching Effects of Major Eruptions

Jelle Zeilinga de Boer, Donald Theodore Sanders, Robert D. Ballard

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Paperback

Forthcoming
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Princeton University Pres
01 December 2025

Mathematics & Sciences; Volcanology & seismology; Geology & the lithosphere; Natural disasters

When the volcano Tambora erupted in Indonesia in 1815, as many as one hundred thousand people perished from the blast and ensuing famine. Gases and dust particles ejected into the atmosphere changed weather patterns around the world, resulting in the infamous 'year without a summer' in North America, food riots in Europe, and a widespread cholera epidemic. And the gloomy weather inspired Mary Shelley to write the gothic novel Frankenstein.

This panoramic book tells the story of nine such epic volcanic events, explaining the related geology and exploring the myriad ways our planet's volcanism has affected human history.

'A detailed and vivid account of the fiery relationship between the Earth and its surface dwellers.'

The Guardian

'Does the world need another book about volcanic eruptions and the havoc they wreak? The answer, for this book, is an emphatic 'yes,' especially for the general reader. Besides being interesting to read, Volcanoes in Human History clearly demonstrates that volcanism, and geology as a whole, should not be of concern only to geologists and that history is important.'

Sally Newcomb, Isis

'The authors have applied their geologic knowledge and experience, along with solid research, to produce an accessible book on volcanoes.'

Library Journal

By: Jelle Zeilinga de Boer, Donald Theodore Sanders
Foreword by: Robert D. Ballard
Imprint: Princeton University Pres
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 140mm,
ISBN: 9780691279909
ISBN 10: 069127990X
Pages: 320
Publication Date: 01 December 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , General/trade , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Jelle Zeilinga de Boer (19342016) was the Harold T. Stearns Professor of Earth Science at Wesleyan University and the author (with Donald Theodore Sanders) of Earthquakes in Human History (Princeton). Donald Theodore Sanders (19302014) was a petroleum geologist and science editor.

Reviews for Volcanoes in Human History: The Far-Reaching Effects of Major Eruptions

""A detailed and vivid account of the fiery relationship between the Earth and its surface dwellers."" * The Guardian * ""Does the world need another book about volcanic eruptions and the havoc they wreak? The answer, for this book, is an emphatic 'yes,' especially for the general reader. Besides being interesting to read, Volcanoes in Human History clearly demonstrates that volcanism, and geology as a whole, should not be of concern only to geologists and that history is important.""---Sally Newcomb, Isis ""The authors have applied their geologic knowledge and experience, along with solid research, to produce an accessible book on volcanoes."" * Library Journal * ""In clear prose aimed to include general readers, the authors make the case for the social consequences set in motion by large volcanic eruptions as both wide-ranging and long-lived."" * Choice Reviews *