Modern scientific investigations of earthquakes began in the 1880s, and the International Association of Seismology was organized in 1901 to promote collaboration of scientists and engineers in studying earthquakes. The International Handbook of Earthquake and Engineering Seismology , under the auspices of the International Association of Seismology and Physics of the Earth's Interior (IASPEI), was prepared by leading experts under a distinguished international advisory board and team of editors.The content is organized into 56 chapters and includes over 430 figures, 24 of which are in color. This large-format, comprehensive reference summarizes well-established facts, reviews relevant theories, surveys useful methods and techniques, and documents and archives basic seismic data. It will be the authoritative reference for scientists and engineers and a quick and handy reference for seismologists.Also available is The International Handbook of Earthquake and Engineering Seismology, Part B . "...the Handbook gives a comprehensive picture of the state of the art of seismology at the beginning of the 21st century and, undoubtedly, it will be highly appreciated by the world seismological community." Russian Academy of Sciences, National Geophysical Committee. November 2003 "Monumental in scope, authoritative in treatment, and historic in impact, the International Handbook of Earthquake and Engineering Seismology will be the most important source book for seismology and its applications for years to come. This is one of those exceptional books that libraries and professionals from academia, industry, and government cannot do without." -Frank Press, President Emeritus, US National Academy of Sciences "The International Handbook of Earthquake & Engineering Seismology is an impressive and comprehensive collection of articles by leaders in their fields. It is sure to be a valuable resource for students, research workers and practitioners who need a broad, reliable and up-to-date source of information and knowledge in seismological fields. -George W. Housner, Professor Emeritus, California Institute of Technology "...of great interest to practicing engineers and researchers alike...a highly valuable source of helpful information for years to come in enhancing public and industrial safety worldwide." -William J. Hall, Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign "Great credit goes to the Editors for attracting...the most experienced and highly regarded experts from more than 50 countries to participate in this comprehensive and truly international work. It covers not only the history of our science, but leads to the present day frontiers of our knowledge." -Hans Berckhemer, Past President of IASPEI, from the Foreword "...This 'handbook' is more of an Encyclopedia of Seismology than a 'handbook' As an encyclopedia, this book covers just about any aspect of seismology one can think of, except for the applied seismology that is the forte of most SEG members. ...I highly recommend this work for those who are curious and interested in expanding their horizons." -R.E. Sheriff, University of Houston "a unique reference work that utilizes modern computer technology to supplement the printed information. It provides data sets (e.g. catalogs of world earthquakes) that cannot be found anywhere else...[a] magnum opus of seismology." -Cinna Lomnitz for "Natural Hazards" "...I can wholeheartedly recommend this volume, and in fact I already find myself frequently looking up one fact or technique or another in my daily work...a must for every Earth Science library and a worthwhile investment for every practitioner." -Frederik Tilmann for GEOLOGICAL MAGAZINE The two volume International Handbook of Earthquake and Engineering Seismology represents the International Association of Seismology and Physics of the Earth's Interior's (IASPEI) ambition to provide a comprehensive overview of our present knowledge of earthquakes and seismology. This state-of-the-art work is the only reference to cover all aspects of seismology - a "resource library" for civil and structural engineers, geologists, geophysicists, and seismologists in academia and industry around the globe. Furthermore, the Handbook will be an important information resource for administrators and officials responsible for developing and implementing worldwide earthquake hazard mitigation. Part A of the Handbook, by more than 80 leading authors from major institutions of science around the world, features 56 full-length chapters detailing the history of seismology, theoretical and observational seismology, earthquake geology and mechanics, seismicity of the earth, and the Earth's structure. Australian sensation PAUL JENNINGS is a former teacher and university lecturer who believes that kids who don't like to read are just disinterested. To prove it, he came up with an approach that appeals to even the most reluctant reader.