Probing the science and mystery of volcanoes, this book chronicles not only their geologic behaviour, but also their profound effect on human life. From Mount Vesuvius to Mount St Helens, the book covers the surprisingly large variety of volcanoes, the subtle to conspicuous signs preceding eruptions and the far-reaching atmospheric consequences. Here scientific facts take on a very human dimension, as the authors draw upon actual encounters with volcanoes, often through firsthand accounts of those how have witnessed eruptions and miraculously survived the aftermath. The book beins with a description of the lethal May 1980 eruption of Mount St Helens, complete with an explanation of how safety officials and scientists tried to predict events and how unsuspecting campers and loggers miles away struggled against terrifying blasts of ash, stone and heat. The story moves quickly to the ways in which volcanoes have enhanced our lives, creating mineral-rich land, clean thermal energy and haunting landscapes that in turn benefit agriculture, recreation, mining and commerce. Religion and psychology embroider the account as the authors explore the impact of volcanoes on the human psyche through tales of volcano gods and attempts to appease them. The book concludes by assisting readers in experiencing these geological phenomena for themselves. A "tourist guide" to volcanoes outlines over 40 sites throughout the world.