Santorini

The massive eruption of the island of Santorini 2600 years ago caused tsunamis that destroyed the Minoan civilization and may have altered global climate for years. (The eruption may also be the source of the Atlantis legend.) In this popular account, Friedrich (Environmental Geophysics, University of Aarhus) describes Santorini's geologic and archaeological past, presenting the latest research into the island's pre-eruption Bronze Age civilization. (Particularly interesting is his account of how the discovery of olive trees buried under volcanic debris has made it possible for scientists to put exactly date the island's cataclysmic eruption.) Accompanied by numerous full-color photographs, diagrams, and maps, Friedrich's clearly written narrative makes Santorini's violent past as vivid as today's headlines. This book will appeal to readers interested in geology, volcanology, or the history of the ancient Mediterranean. Distributed in North America by The David Brown Book Co. Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)