From ancient volcanos and deserts to long-forgotten seas, a spotter’s guide to the Britain beneath your feet
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Like most of us, Ian Vince used to think of the British countryside as average, unexciting - as dramatic as a nice cup of tea. Then, over the course of a single car journey, the features of our green and pleasant land reawakened a fascination with geology that he had long forgotten, and he began to delve beneath the surface (metaphorically, that is). From the rocks of north-west Scotland which are amongst the oldest on the planet to St Michael's Mount off the coast of Cornwall, which was still being shaped in human memory, The Lie of the Land takes us on a journey through a fantastically exotic Britain of red desert sands, shattering continental collisions and tides of volcanic lava. Ian Vince shows us how Britain came to look the way it does; and with warmth and wit transports us back through billions of years to a land that time forgot.
About the Author
Ian Vince is a contributing editor to The Idler, has written for Channel 4’s Bremner, Bird and Fortune and is the author of four humorous books, including Britain: What a State and The MyWay Code. He also writes a regular column in the Daily Telegraph called ‘Strange Days’, in which he travels around Britain seeking out curious local customs, folklore and odd occurrences.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By Big Jim
TOP 50 REVIEWER
Format:Paperback
Before starting this book you have to realise that this is an "entry level" book on the subject of the UK's geology/archaeology and to be fair the author makes no claim that it is anything other than this, making it clear from the start that this book is not for those with a "serious" interest in geology. So while I'm happy to endorse anything that will encourage readers to get out and about and consider the great British countryside I have to get some minor gripes out of the way first
Why oh why oh why do we have to put anything measured in miles with the equivalent in kilometres, e.g. "10 miles (16km)" or 50ft (17m). Is this the publisher's fault? Come on decide on one and stick with it throughout the book
So within this book, which is a bit travelogue, a bit archaeology, a bit history and a larger bit geology and geomorphology, there are some quite interesting nuggets of information to be had. The bit about future archaeologists trying to work out what London was about by only looking at the Oval was quite illuminating for example. And how the "In Pin" happens to be as it is was news to me as well - especially poignant as I only scaled it for the first (and last!) time a few weeks ago. There are many other snippets which will hopefully inspire one's interest in the geology/archaeology of the UK.
So all in all I would have to recommend this as a light snack before taking on the more substantial fare of such books listed below in the "customers also bought" section by Francis Pryor, Richard Fortey (although I have my reservations about this one), Peter Toghill and my particular favourite, especially if mountains are your thing, Granite and Grit by Ronald Turnbull. By the way the website listed in the book is rather excellent.
Why oh why oh why do we have to put anything measured in miles with the equivalent in kilometres, e.g. "10 miles (16km)" or 50ft (17m). Is this the publisher's fault? Come on decide on one and stick with it throughout the book
So within this book, which is a bit travelogue, a bit archaeology, a bit history and a larger bit geology and geomorphology, there are some quite interesting nuggets of information to be had. The bit about future archaeologists trying to work out what London was about by only looking at the Oval was quite illuminating for example. And how the "In Pin" happens to be as it is was news to me as well - especially poignant as I only scaled it for the first (and last!) time a few weeks ago. There are many other snippets which will hopefully inspire one's interest in the geology/archaeology of the UK.
So all in all I would have to recommend this as a light snack before taking on the more substantial fare of such books listed below in the "customers also bought" section by Francis Pryor, Richard Fortey (although I have my reservations about this one), Peter Toghill and my particular favourite, especially if mountains are your thing, Granite and Grit by Ronald Turnbull. By the way the website listed in the book is rather excellent.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Just occasionally a book is written by an expert with a soul. This is it!
For those of us who know a little geology/geography it is a most entertaining adjunct to allow revision of the subjects.
Every page reminds us of sights seen and explanations derived as to How the Land Lies.
Entertaining and so worthwhile. I just can't put it down and know I shall return to it time and time again. Certainly 5*****.
J.Sampson
For those of us who know a little geology/geography it is a most entertaining adjunct to allow revision of the subjects.
Every page reminds us of sights seen and explanations derived as to How the Land Lies.
Entertaining and so worthwhile. I just can't put it down and know I shall return to it time and time again. Certainly 5*****.
J.Sampson
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By beamish john
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
a good introduction to geology. The author gives examples and takes you through the science with amusing tales. Easy to read and informative.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good premise somewhat flawed execution
First the positives - I did like the overall chapter set up and more generally found the prose when concentrating on the actual geology (rather than somewhat random rants against... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Billy's weekend
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lie of the Land
This is a great little book. The introduction points to it being an easy, enjoyable read but with valuable historical facts about the ground beneath our feet.
Published 17 months ago by Jaquelyn
4.0 out of 5 stars
clear description
A rather different way of looking at this subject, it works quite well in giving an overview of the land under our feet. Read more
Published 20 months ago by lilium
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