William Hamilton (1730–1803) was one of the foremost volcanologists of his time, renowned for his scientific contributions as well as his glamorous life. Born into British aristocracy, he served as a diplomat in Naples, where he climbed Vesuvius over 50 times and witnessed numerous eruptions. His observations culminated in the publication of Campi Phlegraei (1776/1779), which, at the time, was the most accurate account of the Phlegraean Fields in Campania, now recognized as one of the largest supervolcanoes on Earth. Hamilton was married to the much younger Lady Emma, who became the lover of Admiral Nelson, the subject of various movies as well as Susan Sontag’s novel
The Volcano Lover. He collected ancient artifacts and captivated visitors such as Goethe with his passion for antiquity. Most importantly, his geological expeditions uncovered the volcanic origins of southern Italy, highlighting the dual nature of seismic activity – both destructive and essential for the region’s fertility. His vivid accounts illustrate the forces of nature, laying foundational insights for modern geology. Campi Phlegraei,
illustrated by Pietro Fabris, combines scientific precision with artistic flair, capturing the pleasant landscapes and perilous eruptions around Naples while pioneering the aesthetics of nature writing. Set against the backdrop of political unrest and the “eruption” of the French Revolution, Hamilton’s reports also reflect the sociopolitical climate of his time. Inspiring writers and artists, his legacy continues to resonate. It offers a historical perspective on today’s environmental challenges and contemporary discourses on climate change and disaster management.
