The book is two parts. The destruction of Armero and its 23,000 residents by Nevado del Ruiz is one of the world's worst disasters. However, the tale of what took place at Galeras is far more interesting. It uncovers fraud. It shows that Stanley Williams promoted his career at the expense of others and proves that his scientific arrogance led to the unnecessary loss of life at Galeras.

In addition, Victoria Bruce masterfully conquers two major obstacles in this book. First, she explains the complexities of geology in a simplistic fashion and secondly she properly describes the violence inside Colombia with intellectual honesty.

Bert Ruiz


The cinderella science of volcano seismology.   July 17, 2001
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

This book is commendable for bringing to public attention the science of volcano seismology, and bringing to life the individuals who endeavour to transform seismological signals into warning messages of danger. A dedicatee of the book is Bruno Martinelli, a leading volcano seismologist, whose interest in volcanoes grew while he was working as a mathematics and physics teacher in central Africa. Ms. Bruce remarks on the distinction within the volcanological fraternity between the brainy 'coneheads' and the brawny 'meatballs'. I hope this book encourages more 'coneheads' to follow Bruno Martinelli, and Bernard Chouet into this scientific field. If such folk got to the volcano ball more often, more lives would be saved.