Customer Reviews

Essentials of Geology (Second Edition)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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. :)

My geology teacher told us that since geology hasn't changed much in the past 20 years that we could get any edition of an introduction to geology book. This was exactly what I needed and I only needed to modify the table of contents slightly to match the current edition. I probably saved about $60 by getting an older edition!

In depth book on geology. A bit too deep for my high school daughter but we are working our way through. Using this as a supplement to an on line course, so far so good. The web site listed in the book is really great with lots of helpful additional animations and information. Also quizzes are available and it can be set up so the teacher or parent gets an email with the quiz results.

Bought this book just for reading material, not even for class. This has got to be the most thourough and educational book i have ever picked up. Two chapters in and i have a completely new understanding of the ground beneath us and the celestial sphere above us. WELL worth the cash. DID you know the sun makes up 99.8% of the mass of our solar system??

the book was in good condition, although they had mentioned a few water stains I couldn't find any however they said there weren't any highlight marks and there were. All and all the book was in good condition and for the price I am happy.

It was great. Brand new, just as described. I was grateful because it was cheaper than the used copies at my school and my school didn't have any new copies.

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