In the year 1883, a young man named Jack Glass is shipwrecked on the volcanic island of Rakata in the Sunda Strait. Jack is the only survivor of the wreck, and he soon finds himself stranded on a deserted island with no food, no water, and no way to contact the outside world. Jack is determined to survive, and he sets about building a shelter, finding food, and exploring the island. He soon discovers that Rakata is a dangerous place, inhabited by wild animals, poisonous plants, and active volcanoes. Despite the dangers, Jack perseveres, and he eventually makes contact with a passing ship. He is rescued and returned to civilization, but he never forgets his time on Rakata, and he is forever changed by the experience. Blown to Bits is a thrilling adventure story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. It is a story of survival, courage, and the power of the human spirit.

In 'Blown to Bits; or, The Lonely Man of Rakata' by R. M. Ballantyne, readers are taken on an exciting adventure filled with danger, suspense, and personal reflection. The novel follows the story of a man named Jack, who finds himself stranded on a volcanic island after a shipwreck. As he navigates the challenges of survival, readers are immersed in Ballantyne's descriptive writing style that brings the setting to life. Set in the 19th century, the book explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. Ballantyne's attention to detail and vivid imagery make this novel a captivating read for anyone interested in adventure literature. R. M. Ballantyne, a Scottish author known for his adventure stories, drew inspiration for 'Blown to Bits' from his own experiences as a sailor. His firsthand knowledge of the sea and survival at sea adds authenticity to the narrative, making it a compelling and realistic read. Ballantyne's storytelling skill and character development make him a noteworthy figure in the genre of adventure fiction. I highly recommend 'Blown to Bits; or, The Lonely Man of Rakata' to readers who enjoy classic adventure tales with elements of suspense, survival, and self-discovery. Ballantyne's thrilling narrative and well-developed characters will keep readers engaged from the first page to the last.

Reproduction of the original: Blown to Bits by Robert Michael Ballantyne

When the earthquake that struck the Solomon Islands in 2013 produced tsunami waves that damaged the country’s infrastructure, it was one in a recent string of reminders of the devastating effects these ferocious waves can have. From the 2011 tsunami in Japan to the giant waves that killed people near the Indian Ocean in 2004, these destructive events can utterly overwhelm an area not just with water but economic, social, and political devastations. But as Richard Hamblyn demonstrates in this cultural, historical, and scientific engagement with these spectacular natural phenomena, tsunamis remain misunderstood—their triggers, from undersea earthquakes to nuclear weapons testing, have only begun to be studied scientifically in the last fifty years. Tsunami explores how these treacherous sea-surges happen, what makes them so powerful, and what can be done to safeguard vulnerable coastlines. Hamblyn details their cultural significance in tsunami-prone places such as Japan, Hawaii, and Chile, while also considering their importance in the more seismically stable West, where their appearances are limited to popular culture and blockbuster films. From the legend of Atlantis to the present day, this book casts new light on these deadly waves.