For generations, the ground beneath the feet of our ancestors seemed solid and unchanging. Around 30 years ago, two things happened that were to revolutionize the understanding of our home planet. First, geologists realized that the continents themselves were drifting across the surface of the globe and that oceans were being created and destroyed. Secondly, pictures of the entire planet were returned from space. As the astronomer Fred Hoyle had predicted, this 'let loose an idea as powerful as any in history'. Suddenly, the Earth began to be viewed as a single entity; a dynamic, interacting whole, controlled by complex processes we scarcely understood. It began to seem less solid. As one astronaut put it, 'a blue jewel on black velvet; small, fragile and touchingly alone'. Geologists at last were able to see the whole as well as the detail; the wood as well as the trees. This book brings their account up to date with the latest understanding of the processes that govern our planet.
The Earth: A Very Short Introduction
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"A useful overview of the processes that have shaped our planet. All in all, if you have limited time and only want to dip into a subject, this sort of condensed introduction to a complicated topic like the Earth will hopefully whet your appetite for a more in-depth knowledge."--Katherine Joy, The Astrobiology Society of Britain
About the Author
Martin Redfern studied geology at University College London. He has written extensively for magazines and newspapers such as New Scientist, The Economist, the Sunday Times, and the Independent on Sunday.
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How can you put a big round planet in a small flat book? Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
How can you put a big round planet in a small flat book? Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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By Tony Howard
Format:Paperback
`Does exactly what it says on the tin': provides a very short introduction to the earth. That is almost exclusively the earth beneath our feet. Although the first chapter gives an insight, the book does not devote much attention to our earth as a planet, or to the dynamics of our atmosphere and oceans. In fact in my view the author cites but fails to explain one or two atmospheric phenomena - most irritatingly that under the heading `Hot Air'. Of course he can't do a lot with only 130 small pages at his disposal.
However, his description of the earth below us is very interesting, with a good balance of fundamentals, intriguing detail and current theories. His dual analogies of flow in old stained glass windows and of lava lamps to describe convection cells in the mantle are clear & memorable.
Some history of the earth, geological timescale and periods are described, as are the radio-isotopic techniques for dating. But the real emphasis and strength of the book is in his descriptions of the core, the mantle, tectonic plates, their movement and the consequences - earthquakes & volcanoes. For this, it is well worth buying: 4 stars in my view!
If you want a broader introduction, including our earth as a planet and the dynamics of our atmosphere and oceans, buy The Rough Guide to the Earth, by Martin Ince - also a very good read.
However, his description of the earth below us is very interesting, with a good balance of fundamentals, intriguing detail and current theories. His dual analogies of flow in old stained glass windows and of lava lamps to describe convection cells in the mantle are clear & memorable.
Some history of the earth, geological timescale and periods are described, as are the radio-isotopic techniques for dating. But the real emphasis and strength of the book is in his descriptions of the core, the mantle, tectonic plates, their movement and the consequences - earthquakes & volcanoes. For this, it is well worth buying: 4 stars in my view!
If you want a broader introduction, including our earth as a planet and the dynamics of our atmosphere and oceans, buy The Rough Guide to the Earth, by Martin Ince - also a very good read.
2 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
For what you pay, I must admit this is quality. I have got a lot of books of this series "A very short introduction" and I am impressed. They summarise in 150 pages pretty much the same useful material that takes other books 1000 pages. Read it and learn more about the Earth!
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A gem
12 Jan 2008
By Ryoji Watanabe
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book has a lot going against it: First, it's about geology :-). Second, the producer isn't providing a flashy picture-book format-- it has more text than figures. But I found it constantly interesting!
The text reads like a rapid sequence of one interesting fact after another. Many of the facts are surprisingly modern, and some even speculative. But they are all *interesting*. These mini descriptions form a story that puts the Earth in its cosmic context, and visits each significant aspect of its nature.
If you have a scientific curiosity but do not know geology, I think you will find it a quick and engaging invitation into some new knowledge.
The text reads like a rapid sequence of one interesting fact after another. Many of the facts are surprisingly modern, and some even speculative. But they are all *interesting*. These mini descriptions form a story that puts the Earth in its cosmic context, and visits each significant aspect of its nature.
If you have a scientific curiosity but do not know geology, I think you will find it a quick and engaging invitation into some new knowledge.
3 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Earth
18 Sep 2008
By Jenner Pinto
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
Written with great clarity and being up to date, The Earth is indeed a very good introduction to this subject and a truly pleasant reading.
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