Essentials of Geology: Portrait of Earth [Paperback]

Stephen Marshak (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0393924114 | ISBN-13: 978-0393924114 | Publication Date: July 2003 | Edition: 1st

An introduction to geology that weaves the theory of plate tectonics and the concept of Earth systems science into its narrative from the beginning, this book strives to create a modern, coherent image of our planet.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Stephen Marshak is Professor of Geology and Head of the Department of Geology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University, an M.S. from the University of Arizona, and a B.A. from Cornell University. He has served as Chair of the Division of Structural Geology and Tectonics of the Geological Society of America. Dr. Marshak has written numerous research articles on topics in structural geology and tectonics, and has authored or co-authored three other books: Basic Methods of Structural Geology; Earth Structure: An Introduction to Structural Geology and Tectonics; and Essentials of Geology. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 536 pages
• Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc (Np); 1st edition (July 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393924114
• ISBN-13: 978-0393924114
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #309,744 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very readable, logical sequencing, great illustrations, fun., January 20, 2004

By 

Michael Strassberg (Lawrenceville, New Jersey United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Essentials of Geology: Portrait of Earth (Paperback)

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.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very clear and nice giud to start with., March 8, 2007

By 

Wail Elsayed "skywing" (Cairo-Egypt) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Essentials of Geology (Second Edition) (Paperback)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Have!, March 18, 2008

By 

Robe "readcheap" (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Essentials of Geology (Second Edition) (Paperback)

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. :)