September 23, 2003 edition

Although Mount Krakatoa erupted in mid-1883, the volcano continues to produce tremors 120 years later. That tragedy has now returned to life in the hands of geologist and former journalist of British newspaper The Guardian, Simon Winchester, in his book, Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded, 27th August, 1883.
Winchester presents not only scientific facts and detailed records surrounding the great eruption. He depicts the experiences of the residents of Batavia, now Jakarta, during the powerful eruption, and draws links between Krakatoa and Islamic radicalism. And, because history never walks alone, Winchester's journey explores a diverse realm beyond the peak of the volcano, ranging from the history of spices and plants to Indonesia's expatriates, a circus elephant and the theory of evolution.
In July, Winchester came to Jakarta for the launch of his book and stressed that Krakatoa is not a mere scientific work: it is fiction, fact and a never-ending exploration of language.

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