The Earth Machine: The Science of a Dynamic Planet

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Summary: This is THE book for general reading . . .
Review: This book is great. It is well-written and beautifully illustrated. It covers a broad range of topics - you can check the Columbia University Press web site for the table of contents. I think for the price it might be the best overall earth science book out there.

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Summary: A Sound Introduction to the Dynamics of Earth History
Review: Books on geology can, if poorly written or too technical, be unbelievably dull except to the enthusiast. Still earth history is important to us all as it deals with the formation of minerals, rocks and energy sources like coal and oil, as well as the origin and evolution of life, the causes of volcanoes and earth quakes, the movements of continents and the development and possible future of the atmosphere. Indeed it encompasses the very foundation of our existence. In "The Earth Machine: The Science of a Dynamic Planet" Edmond A. Mathez and James D. Webster have given this subject a new breath of life and have produced probably the best introduction to geology for the layman currently in print.

In their book they explain current theories on the evolution and movement of continents, the development of life, the formation of the atmosphere and the threats of ozone depletion and global warming, and many more aspects of the study of our home planet. They give accounts of great volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, explain mountain building and ocean currents, discuss the weird ecosystems of hydrothermal vents and the formation of valuable productions of the earth like salt, gold and coal. All the while they sprinkle in historical accounts of past geologists and their work in a fascinating narrative.

All in all this is a great introductory text in earth history and I recommend it enthusiastically for anyone curious of how our blue planet functions.

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Summary: Highly recommended for in-depth collections
Review: The Earth Machine: The Science of a Dynamic Planet covers the science of geology, is the collaborative work of, written by two curators, Edmond Mathez and James Webster ( one of mineral deposits and the other of petrology) and is recommended for college-level collections where geology and science are strong parts of the curriculum. Full-color photos inspired by the Hall of Planet Earth at New York's American Museum of Natural History document the evolution of the planet in a guide highly recommended for in-depth collections.