KRAKATOA The Day the World Exploded: August 27, 1883

If you’re looking for drama, you’ll certainly find it here. With a volcanic explosion heard 3,000 miles away and a related tsunami that killed close to 40,000 people, there’s plenty of excitement for the thrill-seeker. Winchester, author of the bestselling THE PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN, adroitly juggles a plethora of subjects, from the Dutch spice trade in colonial Java to the science of tectonic plates, creating a fascinating look at one of history’s most cataclysmic disasters. Despite his BBC tone, Winchester manages a dry and ironic delivery, very much in keeping with his writing style. But the main point of interest when the dust has settled is the far-flung ramifications of this eruption upon world events. This is a winner. D.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award; 2004 Audie Award Finalist © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 03]