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Not only does this book yield knowledge, it permits an examination of fascinating historical documents, illustrating the progression of the forces that shaped (and continue to shape) the Earth.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 hope that many in your group read it, Deb.
DeleteI 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...
ReplyDeleteIt’s a tad more challenging than a recipe, Angie.
Deletethis 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?!
This seems like an interesting book, David.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day.
All the best, Irma
I am interested in geology due to the fact that my country is located on the collision boundary between the African plate and the Eurasian plate. Italy is one of the countries in the Mediterranean with the highest seismic risk. That's an interesting book.
ReplyDeleteItaly has had more than its fair share on earthquakes.
Deletewow you must have a lot of knowledge Sounds interesting We are in a vulcanic area. The crater rim were I always walk is an old vulcano and you can see a lot of vulcanic stone and moving plates we have plenty here
ReplyDeleteIt would seem to have special relevance for a New Zealander.
DeleteFascinating book. Thank you for sharing this, David.
ReplyDeleteGeological change begets evolutionary change, so it's only proper that Darwin is mentioned.
ReplyDeleteIt looks wonderful. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a geologist and I had rock collections. Life had other plans, of course. I did get into archaeology for a while, volunteering with an urban archaeology program for about 15 years until I moved.
ReplyDeleteIt's a interesting subject.
ReplyDeleteA very interesting book and a fantastic review. Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteThis looks utterly fascinating. And the illustrations/photography appear to add to the overall quality of the book.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for sharing this book with us.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Hey David!
ReplyDeleteI love geology (i used to read a lot of those books and still flip through them from time to time). It's the secret history of the landscape we walk on every day.
It's a beautiful book; i even like the cover.
Wishing you a lovely weekend 🌺💛🌺💛🌺
Gros bisous
🤗🤗🤗🌷🌷🌷🌞🌞🌞
Geology is cool. I had many geological courses at university and I never had a bad grade from them. This book looks great.
ReplyDeleteI took a geology class in college as an elective, and I really enjoyed it. It's a beautiful looking book. Thanks for your interesting review.
ReplyDeleteIt's exciting to read about your visits around the world, David. You talk so vividly about the book, and I'm sure it's another great book you're reviewing.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
Lijkt mij een mooi en leerzaam boek David.
ReplyDeleteFijn weekend, groetjes Tinie
A domain that cannot be exhausted in one lifetime.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who has very basic knowledge of geology and often wishes to know more, this would probably be a good book. Will I have the stamina to read it, though - on top of all the other books that are on my list? I doubt it, at least at the moment.
ReplyDeleteHahahaha... you already mentioned that the author isn't a geologist :-)
ReplyDeleteI see a beautifully illustrated book with great reviews.
I don't have much time to read yet, but I sometimes do some online reading.
Kind regards, Helma
I was glad to learn from a geologist that St. Petersburg stands on a plateau that will never move. On the other hand, when I was in the Dominican Republic, I was very wary of geological phenomena on the island.
ReplyDeleteIt's looking like an interested book. Have a nice day ! Greets
ReplyDeleteI studied geology at school and, though I don't remember much about it, I do remember finding it a fascinating subject. Your review makes geology feel wonderfully accessible and alive.
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful book that I would like to see on my bookshelf. Thank you for introducing it. Your experience with the Canadian geologist and Cuban geologist must have been a very interesting experience.
ReplyDeleteWow, I will go to Amazon and buy this book as soon as I finish talking to you. I took geology in college and loved it, but that was years ago and I had forgotten most of what I learned. In December of 24 we went to Colorado for my Granddaughter's wedding. We, of course, ventured out to many different Geological wonders and the fun part is that one of the young ladies that was with us had just graduated from College with a major in Geology. Like you haveing her along opened our eyes to so much more of what we were seeing. It was a wonderful learning experience and it peaked my interest in Geology again ... so thank you. I can't wait to read the book. So, where have you been ... I miss your visits :(
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
Yet another fascinating book to add to my collection and thank you for bringing it to my attention.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to look for that.
ReplyDeleteGeology is a fascinating subject and a key to understanding how the world has evolved.
ReplyDeleteJuuri niin, minullakaan ei ole muuta tietoa kuin että mannerlaatat liukuvat toistensa päälle ja tulee maanjäristys. Teoksen lukemisen jälkeen tietäisin paljon enemmän. Kiitos kirjaesittelystä!
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting book presentation, thank you for that! I am very interested in geology, and it is always great when things are presented in an engaging way! In everyday life, I am a rock collector and live on top of a pile of stones that the Ice Age left for me to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteHi David, this is a truly wonderful book. When I was in school we were taught about this. Here in the states it is no longer on the Curriculum. Anyway in my part of the world. What a shame.
ReplyDeleteUn libro muy interesante querido amigo David. Gracias y besos.
ReplyDelete