Customer Reviews

Geology Underfoot in Illinois

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... 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.]

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.

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.

I've lived my entire 53 years in central Illinois an bought the book on a whim.

The book is well organized and finding a chapter about where you live or where you're traveling to is easy.

I was amazed at the history behind the flat land of Illinois.

Not being a geologist, it was hard for me to grasp the time span that formed and molded the landscape.. I have no way to really grasp a million years or a billion years.

I was intrigued by the ancient river that used to flow east to the ocean and how huge, both depth and width, it was as compared to the now Sangamon river I played in as a child. The diagram showed how small the current river (no pun intended)was relative to the ancient river.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the book was when I read a sentence that turned a light on about something I'd wondered about, but never understood.

I always wondered why Illinois and other nearby states were blessed with fertile, black soil and why some areas not too far away had clay soil.

In one sentence it said this area had been a grassland for millions of years and it was that grass composting over millions of years that gave us the black soil that makes us the envy of the world.

Those are just two of the things I learned with this book. I am happy with the book and consider it money well spent especially when I consider the cost and quality of movies or cable tv.

I bought this book in advance of my upcoming trip to the Shawnee National Forest. My field guides to plants and animals required supplementation, as the Shawnee's rock formations are what make it a special place to hike. It's a great book -- not too heavy on dry scientific data. Instead it offers concrete advice and information easily understood by a layperson and which will add to your enjoyment of this beautiful state and its wonders. And, the author's love for Illinois and its geological wonders is evident on every page.

Not surprisingly, the book discusses some of our other favorite places in the state: Lowden, Starved Rock and Matthiessen, Mississippi Palisades and Galena, and others.

If you spend time in any of Illinois' state parks, or in the outdoors in Illinois, this book will add a dimension to your understanding of your surroundings. I recommend the book.

A facinating, somewhat obscure book--or at least an obscure idea. But well exectued and very interesting for us geology novices.

Although not a native of this state,but having lived here for a few years,I was impressed with what I had missed while there.There is some very interesting geology here.This book is like a guide to some interesting geologic sites and events that happened here.My only complaint is that the map or sketches at the beginning of each little adventure could be better,but,as I've said I don't live in Illinois so maybe it's just me that finds some fault with this.

The author is (properly) defensive about his state's lack of scenic wonders. For a fact, any random square mile of Utah probably will have more visible, interesting geology than the entire state of Illinois. That being said, Mr. Wiggers manages to make what geology there is fairly intersting. I think this book would be ideal for someone who lives in Illinois. He provides thirty-seven sites spread thoughout the state that could be visited on a day or weekend trip and teach you a lot about your state you probably didn't know.