They may make great action movies, but in real life big disasters are simply tragic. From the beginning, the earth has experienced devastating natural disasters that have resonated today. Humankind has introduced disasters of its own, caused by machines and chemicals. Readers will be fascinated to learn of the earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes, floods and tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, crashes and sinkings, and oil spills and nuclear accidents that have plagued us from ancient to modern times. Sidebars, a glossary, and books and websites in the further reading section are also included.