Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Publisher: William Morrow / Harper Collins
Release Date: 08/10/2004
ISBN: 0-380-97310-3
Awards:  
Format Reviewed: Advanced Reader Copy
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Genre:   Nonfiction / History / Archeology
Reviewed: 2004
Reviewer: Carisa Weeaks
Reviewer Notes:  
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Ghosts of Vesuvius 
A New Look at the Last Days of Pompeii, How Towers Fall, and Other Strange Connections 
By Charles Pellegrino

       Volcanoes, as far as modern terms, are geological vents for the inner layers of molten earth to release excess pressure that builds up as the continental plates shift and move. In historical terms, however, they are the beginning and the end of many civilizations. They were the keys to creating and shaping the continents we call home and the seas that surround us. Mount Vesuvius is one of those volcanoes that have been seen as the gods of destruction and rebirth. In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius’ eruption demolished two of the most advanced cities of Ancient Rome: Pompeii and Herculaneum. Charles Pellegrino expands on the continuous research and study of these two preserved archeological sites, not only about the life that surged through their streets, but also of the theories about how the last day of those thousands of people was really like, but not before taking us on a massive journey through the history and theory about the true role of volcanoes in the creation of our planet, and what even happened before that.

       Pellegrino has done an incredible job with this book. The writing style is a bit hard to decipher, even for an English major like myself, but once I started getting further and further into the book, I got more and more into picturing the portrait that Pellegrino has painted about the history of the universe and that horrific day thousands of years ago. I definitely recommend it for anyone who is interested in the deep, mysterious history of nature and its interactions with the human civilization.