The Practical Geologist : The Introductory Guide to the Basics of Geology and to Collecting and Identifying Rocks

Rating:
Summary: Nice book for the beginner
Review: I have the habit of buying anything with geology, paleontology, history, etc. in the title, sometimes without thought to where I'm at with my knowledge base. This was one of those times! The book is a lovely, well illustrated, practical guide to geology for the beginner. Much of what the authors dedicate a single paragraph or page to I have had whole courses in already, so needless to say, I was not quite as enthused over the material as a new comer to the field might be. Certainly for the beginner, especially the Junior High natural science enthusiast, this would be a wonderful gift. It might even make a good text for a high school natual science course, as it covers considerable information on the earth sciences. I plan on giving my copy to a close friend with children interested in these subjects.

Rating:
Summary: Nice book for the beginner
Review: I have the habit of buying anything with geology, paleontology, history, etc. in the title, sometimes without thought to where I'm at with my knowledge base. This was one of those times! The book is a lovely, well illustrated, practical guide to geology for the beginner. Much of what the authors dedicate a single paragraph or page to I have had whole courses in already, so needless to say, I was not quite as enthused over the material as a new comer to the field might be. Certainly for the beginner, especially the Junior High natural science enthusiast, this would be a wonderful gift. It might even make a good text for a high school natual science course, as it covers considerable information on the earth sciences. I plan on giving my copy to a close friend with children interested in these subjects.

Rating:
Summary: essential
Review: I use it to introduce students to basic physical geology. It is written at a basic level but the concepts are not oversimplified. The diagrams and text provide just the right amount of information- non- major students are informed but not overwhelmed. The Practical Geologist is a perfect supplement to the historical geology texts, and can serve as an informal and affordably priced lab manual.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book for the Beginning Geologist
Review: This is a wonderful book for the beginning geologist or anyone interested in earth sciences. It presents the fundamental concepts of geology in a way that is accessible to the non-specialist, but without being oversimplified or condescending. It's full of lots of great pictures, and the best part of the book is the section where it tells you how to collect and label specimens of rock yourself. People of any age interested in science, especially go out and get grubby do it yourself science, will find this book an excellent addition to their libraries.

Rating:
Summary: Great book. Good for beginners.
Review: Today we were at 12000 feet looking into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and we decided we needed a book. Any book. A good book. A book that keeps you reading. The Practical Geologist was just the book! We read all night, and the night's not over yet! We learned about geology, and also came a little closer to God. I highly recommend it! p.s. I used to work for Borders.