Natural hazards cost the global economy over $50;000 million per year. Two thirds of this is spent on damage repair; the remainder represents the cost of predicting; preventing and mitigating against disasters. Man-made hazards such as groundwater pollution; subsidence; and damage caused by expansive soils add to this figure. Geological Hazards is the first book to consider both natural and man-made disasters in a single volume. All major geological hazards are examined; including: * volcanic activity * earthquakes * dams * mass movements; soil creep; landslides * problem soils; quicksands and expansive clays * river; marine; wind action and control * soil erosion and desertification * waste and its disposal * landfill and gas formation * groundwater pollution * subsidence * abandoned mine workings and shafts. Up-to-date and comprehensive; Geological Hazards presents a state-of-the-art survey and examines methods of assessing; evaluating and combating hazards; both natural and man-made. Richly illustrated; it views the subject from an international perspective. Geological Hazards is essential reading for civil; geo-technical engineers; geologists and planners concerned with the mitigation and assessment of hazards.
#4057530 in eBooks 2007-03-14 2007-03-14File Name: B000OI0HJ2
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Masterpieces Amid Growing MadnessBy Ethan CooperThis brief but excellent biography of Beethoven has an important shortcoming: it lacks an index of the compositions that Edmund Morris discusses as he leads his readers through Beethovens life and huge accomplishment. This is a shortcoming because Morris is able to convey tremendous excitement about the many Beethoven masterpieces he reviews and to develop; at least in this reader; a determination to become more familiar with The Masters oeuvre.Not to worry; though; this resourceful reader began to keep his own list of masterpieces that Morris discusses; that are largely unknown to him; and that he is now determined to hear and enjoy. Thanks to Morris; the list reaches 24 and includes the Cello Sonata; Op. 69; the violin sonata in G major; Op. 96; the Thirty-three Variations on a Waltz by Diabelli; Op. 120; and the single movement trio in B-flat (WoO 39); which Beethoven accommodated to the technique of a little girl (the daughter of a friend) "without condescension to parlor sentimentality." And as I write; Op. 131; the string quartet in C-sharp minor; plays in the background. According to Morris; Beethoven rated this as his most perfect single work.Certainly; Morris; an award winning biographer; does not neglect the basics of his discipline in BEETHOVEN: THE UNIVERSAL COMPOSER. From this book; a reader will learn about the wealthy and aristocratic connoisseur society in Vienna; which recognized and sustained Beethoven from the start of his career. A reader will also learn about Beethovens work habits; frustrated romantic life; and questionable business practices. And; a reader will learn about his erratic and obsessive obstreperousness. Late in his life; this dominated in the world; while The Master amazingly produced from his head such great works as the Leonore Overture; the Grosse Fugue for Piano Four Hands; the Missa Solemnis; and the Ninth Symphony.This enjoyable biography provides ample information about Beethovens life but never loses sight of his many great works. Recommended.9 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Well written short biography of BeethovenBy Steven PetersonEdmund Morris biography of Ludwig van Beethoven; part of the "Eminent Lives" series; is delightful. Edmund Morris has written biographies of Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan. He also plays piano; studies music; and has been examining Beethoven for decades and decades. The combination works very well here.The front dust jacket comments place this 200 page volume in perspective. "Edmund Morris; the author of three bestselling presidential biographies and a lifelong devotee of Beethoven; brings the great composer to life as a man of astonishing complexity and overpowering intelligence." This book is well worth looking at; if one wishes an accessible biography of Beethoven coupled with an insightful reading of his music (at least I think that it is insightful).Morris begins by noting that (Page 2): "Of all the great composers; Beethoven is the most enduring in his appeal to dilettantes and intellectuals alike." Agree or disagree; that is a common view of the composer. Morris points out that Beethovens early compositions were pretty radical for the day--only to become even more so in his late works (e.g.; the Grosse Fugue).This book covers the personal life of Beethoven; much of it rather tortured. His family life was not especially great. His father in essence exploited him as a "child prodigy;" even lying about Ludwigs age to make him seem more incredible as a young artist. We see his pain as deafness sets in and his personal life remains unfulfilled; with his "Heiligenstadt Testament." Then; the "Immortal Beloved" letter of 1812 (Morris; by the way; provides an answer as to who this person was--different from whom I had concluded played this role when I took the question seriously 20 or so years ago). There is also the strained relationship with his brother and his nephew Karl. Was he an ogre with Karl? An inept "father figure"? What?This is a most literate biography; covering his early years; his interactions with Mozart and Haydn; his development of relationships with nobles who would provide financial support for his work. But what makes it special for me is that Morris appears to know Beethovens music well; and he folds his musical observations into the text in a way that I find enchanting. He notes how some early notes later became the Third Symphony and how some written comments later became the heart of the 9th Symphony. Those who have seen the movie "Eroica" can appreciate Morris description of the first rehearsal.The chapter labeled "Valedictory" lays out Beethovens last months. The final chapter; "Epilogue;" attempts to give some closure the book (how successful I leave to the individual reader). This is a relatively brief biography; but literate; properly critical; and appreciative of Beethovens contributions to our heritage. I do believe that this would be a welcome volume for someone who wants entreacute;e to Beethoven the person and Beethoven the artist.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Concise; beautifully written but not enoughBy John E. DrurySeparating art from an artists life often frustrates. Van Goghs chaotic life compares to the disorderly life of Beethoven; each masters art triumphs; the merge of art and personality fascinates. It is left to the historian to sort it out and opine; a good writer who knows music can make for a fine book. Edmund Morris; the famed Teddy Roosevelt historian; leaps in this short well-written biography from American political history to chronicle the life and music of Beethoven at the turn of the nineteenth century. In crisp and insightful commentary; his writing skills as a historian and a musicologist are evident. With touches of irony and an examination of scores and pieces; this is a good first book for ones understanding of Beethoven and his life and his music; but regrettably it is not enough. Thin on music analysis; the book is without an index which would allow one to retrace important text; once read but forgotten. So while Morris words sparkle; and the chronology of his life captivates; examining Beethovens artistic maturation is frustrated by the authors web of words; his conclusory opinions and a scarcity of in depth music analysis. Some Beethoven historians; like Barry Cooper; have been criticized for too much analysis; it would have been helpful in this short book if there had been more. Harvey Sachs book on the Ninth Symphony is wonderful history and his analysis of the Ninth section by section is a valued companion. The truth of the study of Beethoven is that it takes many hours of enjoyable listenings and the reading of many books to fathom the man and the beauty he has given humanity.