Essentials of Geology (Third Edition) [Paperback]

Stephen Marshak (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0324590024 | ISBN-13: 978-0393932386 | Publication Date: February 27, 2009 | Edition: Third Edition

A substantial revision of an already successful text, the Third Edition of Essentials of Geology combines an accurate and engaging narrative with exceptional visual and pedagogical elements.

It is supported by a complete learning and teaching package. Innovative media, such as Geotours—which take students on virtual field trips using Google Earth™—make it possible for instructors to bring real-world geology to life in the classroom.

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 628 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; Third Edition edition (February 27, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0324590024
• ISBN-13: 978-0393932386
• ASIN: 0393932389
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,330 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Geology

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely first rate in every way, June 5, 2010

By 

Scott N. Stone (Washington,, DC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

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

This book is superbly written, illustrated, and organized. It was a pleasure to read and is a reliable guide to the subject matter. My professor said first day of class that this book is what every other geology text should aspire to, and I heartily agree with him.

The text reflects the newest scholarship, e.g. on mechanisms of plate tectonics, but is always concise and readable. Virtually every point is illustrated with charts, photographs, or drawings -- like having natural history museum exhibits right in the book. The large scale drawings showing, e.g. overall views of watersheds, or cut-away view of volcanoes or caves, are the best I have seen anywhere. This is important, because, as is the case with anatomy, this is an area where paintings are usually much clearer than photographs.

The newest features keep the book up to date with links, e.g., to Google Earth images.

In short, if your prof has assigned this book, be happy. If you are looking for a book to use to learn geology on you own, this is the one.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Intro to Geology Textbook with Great Pictures, July 17, 2010

By 

Erin - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

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

You probably aren't going to buy this if it is not required for a class, but it is a well written geology textbook. The pictures are great and it is very up-to-date and organized well. If you want to learn the basics on your own, I'd recommend this book. It is the required Introduction to Geology textbook for many universities.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Geology 3rd Edition, September 27, 2010

By 

jessfunschul - See all my reviews

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

This book in particular Starts with the beginning of earths formation and the birth of plate tectonics, and how it is related to the birth of geology. This book basically is for Class purposes, my professor has decided to use it because it has great illustrations and a very detailed approach to the subject. I think its one of the better, more interesting takes on Geology. [coming from a person who had to drop the first Geology class because the book was just words and no pictures] If you are visual and enjoy learning (outside of class room requirements) the basics about Geology then you must definitely consider this book!