Reassuringly, the author reveals that he is not a geologist! As a biologist, however, his discipline is deeply interwoven with geology and earth science, and therein lies the rub for all of us. Whatever your primary interest in the natural world you cannot fail to benefit from a knowledge of the geological forces that yielded the landscape (and the flora and fauna) that occupies your attention.
I can attest to this from personal experience. Many years ago on a birding trip to South Africa, a geologist who was a member of our party explained volcanic bombs to me, expounded on the geology of the Big Hole in the Kimberly diamond mining area, walked me through the geologic features of a desert and explained erosion and seashore formation in great detail. This enhanced my experience greatly, and set me on a path to always try to integrate geology into every aspect of nature. Recently, in Cuba, a pre-eminent Canadian geologist, accompanied by an equally pre-eminent Cuban geologist, thrilled me with their knowledge of the karst formation near Viñales.
Not only does this book yield knowledge, it permits an examination of fascinating historical documents, illustrating the progression of the forces that shaped (and continue to shape) the Earth. In some respects this was the most interesting part of the book.
Leading figures in the history of the science are profiled and you'll enjoy the company of luminaries such as Charles Darwin, his resolute supporter Charles Lyall, Nicolas Steno, and others; even going back to Leonardo da Vinci, perhaps the greatest polymath of all polymaths.
Plate Tectonic Theory is a term familiar to everyone. It is bandied about on the news whenever an earthquake occurs, but I would be willing to wager that few understand what it really means, other than a vague understanding that plates slide into, and over and under each other. What are those plates, where are they found, what forces cause them to collide? Understanding plate tectonics has revolutionized earth science, yet the theory was not developed until the 1960s.
The book is written in a superbly readable fashion so that science and history combine seamlessly. In addition to imparting knowledge it is downright enjoyable.
If you are following my blog and reading this review it is a given that you are interested in nature. This is a book to help you understand it better and appreciate it even more.
Geology: An Illustrated History - Princeton University Press
David Bainbridge
Hardcover - US$29.95 - ISBN: 9780691269832
256 pages - 7.5 x 9.75 inches (18.75 x 24.375 cm)
100+ colour illustrations
Publishing date: 24 February, 2026
I think I won't read such books, maybe you already know me well enough that I read other books and mainly poems.
ReplyDeleteI can only report that in Hungary, next to Lake Balaton, there are the remains of those volcanic mountains ( hills). They were formed 3-4.5 million years ago.
They are part of the landscape and since we often go to the lake, I see them often. They are not high, but I like them.
I tried to climb one of them, but it was so steep that I finally gave up climbing it. I didn't have enough strength.
Thank you for the book recommendation anyway, because it is useful for those who are interested.
Éva
Interesting book David. My dad studied Geology for a few years a University as an elective. I used to read his old textbooks :-D
ReplyDelete...I have always been fascinated by geology.
ReplyDeleteGeology is fascinating. Thanks for the 'head's up' on that book David.
ReplyDeleteIf those who belong to our naturalist group are representative, then many people who are interested in nature are interested in geology. It's wonderful that there is a new book on the subject that is fact-based and also readable.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. Geology is the start of it all, and then add the biology to it. It's the big picture. But I suppose some chemistry is needed too, and as a physicist said to me, everything starts with physics. :) Thanks for the review David.
ReplyDeleteSeems like quite an interesting read...I am not sure if I had enough patience to read it through...
ReplyDeletethis will shock you David, I had to look up the definition of a polymath. Now you and I know I am not a polymath. he he he... you gave the sum total of what knowledge I have of the Earth's plates. I am sure if you tried to read a novel that I read, you would stop by the 2nd page. This sounds like a book that people need to have if they want to know more a bout our earth. I gather my small knowledge from movies like The Day After Tomorrow, which scared me silly for years.... I come here for photos and other countries and birds and people... all of those I really like to read about... world traveler, by association
ReplyDeleteMy eldest is a hydrogeologist. I often use her as my reference!
ReplyDeleteWas this a review copy you received?!