Carolina Rocks!: The Geology of South Carolina

Rating:
Summary: A capable review of an underpublicized geologic area
Review: I bought this book in Charleston, S.C., the site of the East Coast's biggest earthquake since the Republic was founded. It seems less and less people know that. Likewise, the Carolina Bays seem an increasingly obscure geological phenomenon. This book will cure those gaps in the general public's knowledge and provide an entertaining, competent read at the same time. The State of South Carolina has many other fascinating features, each of which are discussed in a manner that is neither demeaningly simple nor unduly complex. The book could have used more photos, particularly color shots of the state's western areas, many of which are subtle beauty spots the year around. This book is a fine guide, however, and is one of the better state-based geology texts.

Rating:
Summary: A capable review of an underpublicized geologic area
Review: I bought this book in Charleston, S.C., the site of the East Coast's biggest earthquake since the Republic was founded. It seems less and less people know that. Likewise, the Carolina Bays seem an increasingly obscure geological phenomenon. This book will cure those gaps in the general public's knowledge and provide an entertaining, competent read at the same time. The State of South Carolina has many other fascinating features, each of which are discussed in a manner that is neither demeaningly simple nor unduly complex. The book could have used more photos, particularly color shots of the state's western areas, many of which are subtle beauty spots the year around. This book is a fine guide, however, and is one of the better state-based geology texts.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting geology, but not a field guide
Review: This book was written by a middle-school science teacher with a doctorate in education. As a lifelong South Carolina resident, I found it interesting and challenging enough for adult readers such as myself, but there are only a moderate number of photos and drawings, and only 5 color plates, plus the front and back covers. The book's strengths, for my purposes, are the lists of the rocks and minerals likely to be found in each region of the state, plus the detailed explanations of how they came to be here; and the fascinating history of the gold rush in South Carolina, which I was unaware had taken place. Other people with other interests might enjoy the chapter on the mysterious "Carolina Bays" or the one about fossils, which is particularly long and detailed.