Volcanic eruptions are among the most violent and spectacular natural events on Earth. Accompanied by red-hot rivers of lava, towering clouds of ash, and thick flows of mud, they can devastate the landscape along with people's lives. This dramatic volume gives readers a detailed look into the formation of volcanoes, their magma chambers, and famous eruptions around the world. Readers learn about the cataclysms of Pompeii, Skaptarjorkul, Mt. Pinatubo, Mt. Pelée, and Soufriere, and gain insights into the evolution of the science of volcanology.