Mather’s book is intended for readers like me: novices who wouldn’t know the difference between pumice and tephra if they both hit us on the head. At times, however, it reads like a textbook, its sentences burdened with encyclopedic digressions ... In other places, Adventures in Volcanoland becomes lyrical.
Mather is clear on the limits of our knowledge and the extent to which the inner workings of our planet – which volcanoes provide a window on to – remain a matter of speculation ... Detailed, impeccably researched.
Her book’s travelogue approach and reader-friendly discussion will help audiences connect to this scientific topic in a captivating manner ... This marvelous, earnest work is impressive.
Readers who are interested in popular science will find that this book is hard to put down, a remarkable journey with an entertaining guide. Mather combines a personal story with an era-spanning scope, turning esoteric information into a colorful, engaging account.
Prosaic ... Personal anecdotes from Mather’s impressive career offer insight into how volcanologists conduct fieldwork ... Unfortunately, Mather alternates between matter-of-fact scientific discussions and labored descriptions of locales where she’s conducted fieldwork... struggling to capture the excitement of her subject.
