When the Earth Shakes: Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis

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In this exciting launch title for PYRG/Smithsonian books, New York Times bestselling author Simon Winchester tells the gripping story of what happens when the earth is all shook up! Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis. Headline-making natural disasters with devastating consequences for millions of people. But what do we actually know about these literally earth-shaking events New York Times bestselling author, explorer, journalist, and geologist Simon Winchester-who's been shaken by earthquakes in New Zealand, skied through Greenland to help prove the theory of plate tectonics, and even charred the soles of his boots climbing a volcano-looks at the science, technology, and societal impact of these inter-connected natural phenomena. A master nonfiction storyteller, Winchester digs deep into the powerful natural forces that shape the earth, exploring the how and why of world-changing events from the 19th-century's infamous volcanic eruption at Krakatoa and the earthquake that flattened San Francisco, to the 21st-century tsunamis that devastated Indonesia and Japan. It's a gripping story about what happens when our seemingly unmovable planet shakes, explodes, and floods-all richly illustrated with fascinating historical and stunning contemporary photographs.

Reviews

Praise for When the Earth Shakes:

* Powerful writing. . . The visuals, too, are strong. Spectacular photographs are included. . . A must-buy for libraries serving middle school, this title works both as a basic overview of earth science and as a fine example of how to incorporate personal narrative into nonfiction. School Library Journal,starred review

Praise for Simon Winchester:

Simon Winchester never disappoints . . . Inspiring and engaging. Tom Brokaw onThe Men Who United the States

"Elegant and scrupulous." New York Times Book ReviewonThe Professor and the Madman

"Winchester once again demonstrates a keen knack for balancing rich and often rigorous historical detail with dramatic tension and storytelling." Publishers Weekly,starred reviewofKrakatoa

"Winchester brings a knowledge as vast and deep as his subject to this history of the Atlantic Ocean." Entertainment WeeklyonAtlantic

"As with every book he's written and narrated, Winchester makes abstruse subjects available and fascinating for every reader and listener." Publishers Weekly,starred reviewonThe Man Who Loved China

Author Bio

Simon Winchester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Professor and the Madman. His recent titles include Atlantic and The Men Who United the States. Winchester was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to journalism and literature. Learn more at simonwinchester.com.