On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in southwest Washington state. The unprecedented blast leveled trees, destroyed houses, decimated lakes, and killed 57 people. In his book, Olson examines the days, weeks, months, and years of decisions leading up to the eruption, looking at political policies both local and federal, the history of the timber companies working around the mountain, and the scientific studies of those who examined and reported on the mountain in the days leading up to the blast. What results is fascinating, horrifying, and a testament to the power of nature. It's a history lesson well worth remembering.
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