Essentials of Geology

by Stephen Marshak

Book Overview

This accessible introduction integrates traditional geologic concepts with the most recent theoretical advances, among them theories of plate tectonics and Earth systems science. The Second Edition has been carefully updated, including coverage of recent events such as Hurricane Katrina, and offers unparalleled multimedia tools for instructors and students.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393928152
• ISBN13: 9780393928150
• Release Date: June 2006
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 545 Pages
• Weight: 3.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 9.0" x 10.9"

Customer Reviews

Great, comprehensive book, except . . .

. . . that, for some reason, either author or publisher chose to omit a Table of Contents!!

wonders of the earth

This author has been there, IN THE FIELD, this volume explains all aspects of geology!! You can spend many cold winter days in this book.

Good textbook reading

Easy and interesting to read. Not as hard of a fight to get through as other school textbooks.

Must Have!

If you have any interest in geology or earth science, then this is the book to have. The author has performed extensive field work in geology,( I have some of his other publications), and he has written this book with that in mind. The clarity of his illustrations go beyond any other book I have seen. His descriptions are easily understood. Buy a not so "great condition" if you must but get one! Excellent, Excellent, Excellent! And "No" I'm not related to him nor have I ever met him. :)

Great purchase

After purchasing this book, I recieved it almost immediately. The book was listed in good condition but I can honestly say it is in great condition.

Very clear and nice giud to start with.

Well, this is the first time for me to read about geology as I'm trying to change my career, I found exactly what I need to know about geology as a beginner, it starts from the first moment of forming the universe encluding all the hypothisis, theories and reasons, then goes thru formation of the earth. The writer took in account the level of the reader, no deep background required, what you know from high school is more than enough and the book will take care of every thing else with very detailed explaination, nice discussed contexts, and ilustrated with clear figures and photos. I recommend this to those who want to start geology.

Very readable, logical sequencing, great illustrations, fun.

This is the third of the textbook type of geology books which I have tried, and it is by far superior to the other two (both of which are very popular and well known.) The problem with the other two is that they begin discussing rock types before discussing plate tectonics and the forces which create and change rocks. Thus, much reference is made to concepts which were never introduced. Marshak does it correctly. He starts with plate tectonics and thereby he introduces the concepts necessary to understand the other dynamic forces at work on Earth. His explanations are complete, well presented and easy to follow. They are accompanied by illustrations which are not only very clear, but esthetically very pleasing to look at. I am glad I found this book. It is a pleasure to read, is very informative, and a welcome change from its more frustrating peers. I highly recommend Essentials of Geology by Stephen Marshak.