"At last an inviting book on earthquakes, written by scientists whose easily understandable prose takes us on a tour not only of seismology but also of modern building technologies, volcanoes, and that California constant, the magnificent rubbing and pushing of tectonic plates beneath us." -San Francisco Chronicle Book Review
In this "excellent survey of earthquakes and their effects-their mystery, terror, and science" (Christopher Arnold, president, Building Systems Development), two of the world's premier structural engineers take readers on a fascinating trip from the Earth's beginnings to recent developments in seismic technology. 100+ illustrations.