Volcanoes are capable of acts of pyrotechnical prowess verging on magic: they spout black magma more fluid than water, create shimmering cities of glass at the bottom of the ocean and frozen lakes of lava on the moon and can even tip entire planets over. Between lava that melts and re-forms the landscape, and noxious volcanic gases that poison the atmosphere, volcanoes have threatened life on Earth countless times in our planet’s history. Yet despite their reputation for destruction, volcanoes are inseparable from the creation of our planet. A lively and utterly fascinating guide to these geologic wonders, Super Volcanoes revels in the incomparable power of volcanic eruptions past and present, Earthbound and otherwise—and recounts the daring and sometimes death-defying careers of the scientists who study them. Science journalist and volcanologist Robin George Andrews explores how these eruptions reveal secrets about the worlds to which they belong, describing the stunning ways in which volcanoes can sculpt the sea, land and sky, and even influence the machinery that makes or breaks the existence of life. Walking us through the mechanics of some of the most infamous eruptions on Earth, Andrews outlines what we know about how volcanoes form, erupt and evolve, as well as what scientists are still trying to puzzle out. How can we better predict when a deadly eruption will occur—and protect communities in the danger zone? Is Earth’s system of plate tectonics, unique in the solar system, the best way to forge a planet that supports life? And if life can survive and even thrive in Earth’s extreme volcanic environments—superhot, super acidic and super saline surroundings previously thought to be completely inhospitable—where else in the universe might we find it? Traveling from Hawai‘i, Yellowstone, Tanzania and the ocean floor to the moon, Venus and Mars, Andrews illuminates the cutting-edge discoveries and lingering scientific mysteries surrounding these phenomenal forces of nature.

"Dr. Robin Andrews takes us on an explosive, gassy, messy adventure decoding the epic hot mess that is volcanism on Earth and far beyond. If volcanoes have ever triggered even a minor explosion of fear, excitement, awe, confusion, or curiosity for you: Read. This. Book." -- Dr. Janine Krippner, volcanologist, Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program
"Andrews is in awe of his subjects; his zeal is obvious.... his attentive reporting will be enjoyed by both the magma-curious and anyone who just wants to wonder at some of the strangest, strongest forces in the universe." -- Tess Joosse - Scientific American
"Fascinating.... The science writing is consistently exciting and illuminating and kept me reading into the wee hours.... Using his storytelling skills, Mr. Andrews offers us a solar system resembling a ‘boundless library, one full of books whose words are written in volcanic ink.’" -- Robert M. Thorson - Wall Street Journal
"Andrews takes readers on a Cook’s tour of volcanoes near and far, fuelling a broader curiosity about our planet and its place in the solar system.... He is at his best when discussing those who live in the shadow of volcanoes and, especially, the scientis" -- Andrew H Knoll - Times Literary Supplement

Robin George Andrews is an award-winning science journalist who regularly writes about the Earth, space, and planetary sciences for outlets including the New York Times, the Atlantic, National Geographic, Scientific American, Washington Post, Nature, Atlas Obscura, Quanta Magazine, among others. He lives in London, England.