VESUVIUS: The most famous volcano in the world

Having just climbed Vesuvius and smelt the sulphurous fumes from a small vent during a holiday in Sorrento in April, I was fascinated by hearing extracts from this book read on BBC Radio 4.The extra information given in the full book is quite fascinating. Everyone should have the chance to read this book AND climb this volcano.

Bought as a gift for my father to read on his recent trip to Pompeii. Good book, small enough to pack in hand luggage! Fast service, good price

This book is exactly what I wanted, it has given me the information I needed before visiting the site. I will now be able to enjoy the experience even more than if I had not read the book.

I overheard part of the book being read on Radio 4 and thought I must read the whole thing. But having done so I find I can not remember much of it, which I found disappointing for such a subject. I wish, though, that I'd had a chance to read it before visiting the volcano -- the book appeared around that time. Funnily enough, I found the section involving William Hamilton most interesting, rescuing him from the obscurity into which he was unavoidably thrown by Nelson. ... But I think I need to read it again ...

This book is a detailed account of the descriptions and effects felt after each eruption of Vesuvius since that described by Pliny the Younger in AD 79. It is a very scholarly book which I enjoyed, even though it sent me to sleep several times.