Helpful Score: 6
As usual, Simon Winchester has written a solid, interesting, educational book about a fascinating historical/scientific event. I enjoyed it overall, and certain parts - particularly the chapters that described the actual volcano and the aftermath - were quite exciting. Still, I think Winchester's books are getting a little formulaic, and they could use more editing. This is good book to pass the time on an airplane ride or a day off.
Helpful Score: 3
Fascinating, but not his best. Do check review in Science Magazine questioning some of his conclusions.
John O. (buzzby) -
Helpful Score: 3
Full of fascinating information, some of it even related to Krakatoa! The author meanders a lot when he writes, and I suspect plagiarizes his own work.
Book written in 2003, he states early on that "Probably... it will be many years... before anything will befall the world...that will be as terrible as what took place..[at Krakatoa]..", yet the next year in the same part of the world almost 10 times as many people died in the tsunami as died in the 1883 explosion.
Book written in 2003, he states early on that "Probably... it will be many years... before anything will befall the world...that will be as terrible as what took place..[at Krakatoa]..", yet the next year in the same part of the world almost 10 times as many people died in the tsunami as died in the 1883 explosion.
Robin M. (robinm) reviewed Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded, August 27, 1883 on + 57 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Simon Winchester presents the facts and the history behind this natural disaster. What I found most interesting was how far-reaching the effects of Krakatoa's eruption were, and the interesting ways they were able to prove it. Winchester presents this all in a reader-friendly style which is easy to understand even if you are not a geologist. Very enjoyable reading! Put it on your wishlist today!
Helpful Score: 1
Extremely informative. More scientific review than storytelling.
