Beneath our Feet : The Rocks of Planet Earth

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Summary: Beneath Our Feet
Review: As an avid amateur, I found this book delightful. Beautiful photographs, and easy to understand explanations. In particular, the detailed descriptions of the thin sections were extremely educational. Most texts that include photographs of thin sections are way over my head. This book was easy to comprehend, and afforded me an insight to thin sections, and why petrologists use them. If you have ever been puzzled by what a thin section actually reveals, buy this book. That answer alone is worth it.

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Summary: By far the best introduction to geology
Review: Beautifully organized and exceptionally clear explanations, at the microscopic level, of how the various kinds of rocks are formed, and of their mineral grain structure. Many photographs with full and lucid analysis. The coordination of text and illustration are superb. Truly a masterpiece for the interested layman.

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Summary: Rocks Can Be Fun - And Beautiful.
Review: Beneath Our Feet: The Rocks Of Planet Earth by Ron Vernon is a superb book that fills a gap that no one may have known existed. The writing is simple, but accurate and eloquent. The reader of this book will be able to jettison the 'all rocks look alike' feeling and go out into the world with enough observational smarts to be a budding petrologist. The illustrating photographs are a good mixture of landscapes, hand specimen photos and photos of thin sections. This book is a smart book for interested people without a background in petrology. If the Roadside Guide books interest you, but seem a little overwhelming, try this book first. The book fills a gap between collecting guides and college petrology books. The book will feel good in your hands and your brain when you read it, as well as look good on your coffee table. This book is not just for the committed rockhound!

Rating:
Summary: Rocks Can Be Fun - And Beautiful.
Review: Beneath Our Feet: The Rocks Of Planet Earth by Ron Vernon is a superb book that fills a gap that no one may have known existed. The writing is simple, but accurate and eloquent. The reader of this book will be able to jettison the 'all rocks look alike' feeling and go out into the world with enough observational smarts to be a budding petrologist. The illustrating photographs are a good mixture of landscapes, hand specimen photos and photos of thin sections. This book is a smart book for interested people without a background in petrology. If the Roadside Guide books interest you, but seem a little overwhelming, try this book first. The book fills a gap between collecting guides and college petrology books. The book will feel good in your hands and your brain when you read it, as well as look good on your coffee table. This book is not just for the committed rockhound!

Rating:
Summary: Beneath Our Feet
Review: I found this book to be almost worthless - no coverage of the subject, just a lot of glossy photos with no detailed explanations. Not sure where one gets the idea this is anything near a roadside guide (which are really great references.) I had to hide this book to avoid the embarassment of having bought it.

Rating:
Summary: not as advertised
Review: I found this book to be almost worthless - no coverage of the subject, just a lot of glossy photos with no detailed explanations. Not sure where one gets the idea this is anything near a roadside guide (which are really great references.) I had to hide this book to avoid the embarassment of having bought it.

Rating:
Summary: a great little book
Review: I'm very puzzled by the reviewer who said he hid the book because he was embarrassed that he bought it. Actually this is not a bad book at all. It is a very pretty account of the rock cycle, of the formation of rocks and landforms. It is not for the academic geologist, but for the hobbyist and amateur, well-written, well-explained and very well illustrated. Actually it is a wonderful book, perfect for rock collectors and so on.

Besides its general coverage of standard geology, it is unique for its microscopic photos of rocks and minerals. You will see rocks in a new way, and in these photos you can really see the processses that created the rocks. You can see details that you can't see macroscopically.

Anyway, I suspect that reviewer was being dishonest. This book is certainly no field guide to rocks, but it never claims to be. It really is wonderful for rock hounds and hikers and people who are curious about geology.

Rating:
Summary: Looking beyond our feet
Review: This book is as much about the beauty of the Earth as it is about how the Earth is formed. It is not a classic-style text book, but a book that illustrates the more spectacular aspects of the Earth while providing a clear and well written explanation of how these rocks are formed.

It is a perfect gift for anybody with a passing interest in geology, and in my case the family of a geologist, who often ask, "Just what is it about rocks that you like so much?" This book provides an elegant and beautifully illustrated answer to their question. Last year I bought a copy for each member of my family and they loved it.