Editorial Review:
Robert Yeats, a retired professor of geosciences at Oregon State University, knows that earthquakes, small or large, aren't news in California. What is news is how badly prepared most Californians are for the eventuality; scientists there have developed the world's most comprehensive program of disaster management, forecasting, and quake-resistant construction codes, Yeats suggests, but ordinary people have done little to improve their odds of survival. Yeats traces the state's earthquake history of hundreds of years, recounting many episodes of mayhem and destruction. He examines the evolution of building codes, prediction methods, and the role of governmental agencies in civil defense. Most helpful of all, he offers Californians easily followed pointers on preparing for the inevitable, such as making an "earthquake kit" of food, tools, and supplies and developing a neighborhood plan for mutual assistance. Yeats writes, "Ultimately, the book's value may be measured after the next large earthquake, when we ask ourselves, 'Were we ready?'" He's correct. No other book covers quite as much ground, and anyone who lives in earthquake country, and not just in the Golden State, will find this primer useful. --Gregory McNamee
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Customer Reviews
Average Customer Rating: 
A Great Book About CA Earthquake History and Science  2005-08-20
This is a great book as an all-around reference for understanding not only the science and theory behind CA earthquakes, but also the hitory and cultural factors that have shaped our response to earthquakes.
Can't Live With 'Em And Can't Live Without 'Em  2001-05-23
Living With Earthquakes In California by Robert Yeats is an excellent book. I bought the book on the strength of The Geology Of Earthquakes, a textbook Yeats co-authored, but I never expected a book that would rival Bruce Bolt's Earthquakes in my mind. Even though the book is focused on California [Yeats also has one coming out on the Pacific Northwest], it is comprehensive enough to be an all purpose reference on earthquakes. The book covers everything from the science of earthquakes to earthquake insurance. People that find Bolt a little too difficult will find Yeats a little more comprehensible. While the College Board mulls over whether to instate an AP Geology course, I'm already compiling my supplemental reading list for the class and this book will be at the top of the list.
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