In general, this book is well written and makes for easy and interesting reading. It is non-technical, informative, and educative and is best suited for a person requiring an introduction or overview in seismology and earthquakes such as a university of technically oriented student or even someone requiring a basic understanding of the science. Although the title of the book is Texas Earthquakes anyone, not necessarily a Texan, can benefit from the authors' insight and real life experience to the science and their practical approach to the topics presented.

This book has 9 chapters. In the first chapter, the measure of earthquake magnitude is defined and seismograms are introduced to the reader. Chapter 2 gives a description of earthquake occurrences in different regions of Texas. An account of earthquake hazard in Texas is also given.

Chapter 3 deals with earthquakes in the United States (US). The authors, with their familiarity with seismicity in the US and the rest of the world, provide a useful comparison and contrast of memorable earthquake occurrences located in the different countries.

Chapter 4 is factual and examines significant earthquakes that occurred around the world. An account of the respective damage and loss of life due to these earthquakes is also given. Chapter 5 looks at the phenomena of induced earthquakes such as those due to the impounding of large reservoirs, and earthquakes caused by fluid injection and extraction and removal of natural gas. They mention false earthquakes that were actually sometimes records of sonic booms. The theory of planet alignment as a cause of earthquakes is also discussed here and makes for very enlightening reading.

In Chapter 6 the authors look at precursors to major earthquakes and the reliability of these precursors. They also discuss the accuracy of earthquake prediction by seismologists as well as the observation of animal behavior as a means of earthquake prediction.

In Chapter 7, the difficulties associated with obtaining earthquake insurance for houses in Texas are presented. The authors iterate here that there is really no need to worry about earthquakes in Texas. In Chapter 8, the authors look at what is required to pursue a career as a seismologist, the prospects for obtaining work as a seismologist and provide a few practical points for people wanting to embark on such a career.

Chapter 9 would be particularly useful for a seismologist in Texas. It provides an extensive compendium of earthquakes occurrences in Texas from 1811 to 2000. Each earthquake event is discussed and the source from where the information originated is also provided.

Overall, all issues that a seismologist would encounter in their daily work are touched on in this book. The authors' use of cartoons also sets an easy-going tone for the reader and this tone is also projected in their writing. Their analogies of aspects of seismology to practical real life encounters provide a memorable and illustrative explanation of ideas.

The book can serve as a valuable tool for students of Earth Science and is well worth reading.

M. Bejaichund and A. Kijko

Council for Geoscience
Private Bag X112
Pretoria 0001, South Africa