Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth

by William Bryant Logan

Book Overview

"You are about to read a lot about dirt, which no one knows very much about." So begins the cult classic that brings mystery and magic to "that stuff that won't come off your collar."

John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Saint Phocas, Darwin, and Virgil parade through this thought-provoking work, taking their place next to the dung beetle, the compost heap, dowsing, historical farming, and the microscopic biota that till the soil. Whether William...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 039332947X
• ISBN13: 9780393329476
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A Dark Gem of a Book

A well-written and researched tribute to the mysterious medium that provides the foundation for life on earth. A series of short stories that paint a colorful picture of how soil evolved with the earth.

Exciting and Provocative!

A galaxy of stars! Dirt is unique, unlike any other book I've read. (Bill Logan tends to write books like that -- his new one, Oak: The Frame of Civilization, is also unlike anything I've read, including Dirt.) The essay format works well. Logan's writing is cogent, witty, at times poignant; his imagination is fantastic. Rousing and satisfying my curiosity, he asks intriguing questions, and in seeking answers follows paths I would not have thought of but am glad to be led down by such a brilliant, quirky, earthy guide. Technicalities of soil science and geology are illuminated by personal experience and reflection on spirituality, childhood dreams Ilike digging to China), and encounters with masters of human achievement. This book may be ten years old but it's still exciting and provocative. I'm pleased to hear it is to be the subject of a documentary film; I hope that will lead to a reprint of this book, which is long overdue.

Inspires passion for regeneration through soil.

I feel in love with this book. Bought it as a gift and had much trouble giving it up. What a beautiful testimony to the earthly process of life and death in which we all participate. Logan's cross-disciplinary commentary was heartfelt and informative. I have told everyone I know to read it. It is magnificent.

Liked it so much it's my #1 Christmas gift to others.

Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth by William Bryant Logan is an enlightening and heartening read for anyone who studies the earth in science or daily living. Although a few of the factoids are not quite correct (watch that logarithmic scale!), this book is full of fascinating science of the soil, surrounded by heartfelt prose. Logan makes earth-centered philosophy accessible to anyone who has ever had a gut feeling that the land is good. The religion of the soil he presents is unobtrusive, yet all-pervading. Read it and feel good.

Technical terminology is seemingly hidden within the prose.

Book Review "Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth" William Bryant Logan Riverhead Books © 1995 The Berkley Publishing Group New York Available in Paperback William Bryant Logan writes about a substance that most take for granted and choose not to learn about. Soil is all around and is the life sustaining substance. It should be treated with care and respect. Readers at once will feel at ease with the writing style employed by Logan. Technical terminology is seemingly hidden within the prose. Disguised so that it is does not intimidate the casual reader, yet it informs. The style makes this effort a must read for those who appreciate quality writing. One might not expect to find references to Jefferson, Emerson, Mary Magdalene, and Roger Williams along with a description of the efforts of the dung beetle and the earthworm. Yet, Logan is able to introduce us to "Compost Man" and George Perkins Marsh with equal ease and skill. Logan explains the origin of the word "dirt" [excrement from the Old Norse] and introduces us to the teeming vat of bacteria living within the soil. In the chapter titled The Soil of Graves, Logan describes in morbid detail the negative effects of embalming humans. This book would make a wonderful read for anyone interested in Geography, Earth Science or Environmental Science. I would encourage you to copy [with permission] portions for your class to read. All manner of resources on planet Earth are destined to become recycled: dirt to dirt. Money Back Guarantee: 1] Buy and read the book "Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth". 2] After reading the book, if you are not pleased with your purchase, return to the bookstore and ask for a full refund. 3] I don't guarantee that you will receive a refund, just that you have the right to ask.