Geology Underfoot in Illinois [Paperback]

Raymond Wiggers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1996

Illinois--a flat and boring state with nothing but cornfields and crowded expressways, right? Balderdash! Geology Underfoot in Illinois scratches the Prairie State's surface to expose geologic diversity that stretches back more than a billion years. Enjoy an unexpected exploration of Chicago's architectural geology. Embark on a fault-seeking expedition in Mark Twain's big-river country. Or try moraine-surfing on Interstates 55 and 74. Copious illustrations and witty, page-turning prose guide readers on geologic walking or driving tours of thirty-seven sites in Illinois.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"With a touch of curiosity and Geology Underfoot in Illinois in hand, readers will view the state with a new sense of wonder, ideal for geology students and the non-specialist general reader with an interest in the application of geological information in and throughout the state of Illinois. --Bookwatch

About the Author

Raymond Wiggers, an Illinois native, holds a bachelor's degree in geology from Purdue University. He served as editor and curator of publications for the Illinois State Museum, as an environmental geologist for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and as a National Park Service botanist and environmental educator. Wiggers has written several books, including The Plant Explorer's Guide to New England and The Amateur Geologist. Wiggers currently resides in Beach Park, Illinois.

Product Details

• Paperback: 303 pages
• Publisher: Mountain Press Publishing Company; 1st edition (November 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087842346X
• ISBN-13: 978-0878423460
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #384,358 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Geology > Specific Locations

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Raymond Wiggers loves Illinois ..., June 15, 2001

By 

Corinne H. Smith (Athol, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Geology Underfoot in Illinois (Paperback)

... and he shows his affection in every word of _Geology Underfoot in Illinois_. Here the reader will learn, in a casual and sometimes humorous way, the history of the Prairie State, what rocks and minerals it holds, and prevailing overall, how the glaciers impacted North American terrain during the Ice Age. Because the book proceeds regionally from north to south, natives and tourists alike can follow along by car or on foot. But even if you never visit Illinois, there are juicy tidbits for you to chew on and be surprised by. Like the fact that Illinois is NOT flat. Like the bizarre origins of the Streeterville neighborhood, which was created in the 1880s only after George "Cap" Streeter grounded a ship along the Lake Michigan shoreline and encouraged construction waste to be dumped around it to form a landfill. Or what happened to the Amoco Building when its pricey Italian-quarried marble sides were exposed to the extremes of Chicago weather. Or the fact that the kitty litter capital of the world may very well be located in the southern tip of the state. Sadly, the black and white photos chosen to accompany the text miss the mark in capturing the true beauty of the sites. You'll simply have to see the places in person.

The author continues to make numerous appearances at nature centers and society meetings throughout Illinois. His presentation style in likable, informative, and funny, and audience members walk away knowing more about geology than they would have guessed possible. If you get a chance to see him speak, take it. You'll find the time well spent. [This reviewer was an Illinois resident when these comments were written.]

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, but a little dry., November 11, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Champaign, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Geology Underfoot in Illinois (Paperback)

Geology Underfoot in Illinois nicely points out that this state is not all corn and fields! The book is divided into chapters by county, so quick reference is easy. Directions to the interesting geologic formations are given, but sometimes these directions can be ambiguous and confusing. The explanations of how formations occurred are concise, interesting, and easy to understand. This book is perfect for geology students, travellers, and people living in Illinois. It's best when used as a field book; as a casual read it tends to be repetitive and dry.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enthusiastically recommended for anyone who is eager to see all the natural wonders Illinois has to offer, July 11, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Geology Underfoot in Illinois (Paperback)

Geology Underfoot in Illinois is an amazing tour of the geological diversity and wonders to be found in the great state of Illinois. Readers of all backgrounds are sure to enjoy the geologic walking or driving tours of thirty-seven Illinois sites. Maps and black-and-white photographs enhance this wonderfully enriching complement to solo or family vacations. "The most accessible [canyon] from the Starved Rock footpath is French Canyon. One of the loveliest times to see it is in winter, when the falling streams have frozen into sparkling columns of ice. To me, these narrow rockbound defiles, with their horizontal ribbing of Paleozoic strata, define the Illinois landscape every bit as much as the prairies." Enthusiastically recommended for anyone who is eager to see all the natural wonders Illinois has to offer, not just its flora and fauna.