This is the ultimate photographic guide to 250 of the world's most essential minerals. From precious native elements such as silver, gold and copper to complex silicates such as vesuvianite, first discovered in limestone blocks ejected by Mount Vesuvius, each one exemplifies the wonder of nature.
LONDON-BASED AUTHOR JOHN FARNDON studied earth sciences and English literature at Cambridge University but has since written on just about every topic imaginable. He has written over 300 books, which have sold millions of copies around the world in most major languages and include many best-sellers, such as the award-winning 'Do Not Open', which became a cult-hit in the USA as well as featuring on the New York Times and Washington Post best-seller lists. In earlier years, he wrote mostly for children, and has been shortlisted a record four times for the junior Science Book prize. But recently he has been writing for adults too.
Many of his books have on popular science, and in particular earth science and nature, and environmental issues, including'How the Earth Works', 'The Wildlife Atlas', 'The Dictionary of the Earth'. He was a major contributor to the Smithsonian's 'Earth' and 'Science' encyclopedias His 'Practical Encyclopedia of Rocks and Minerals' (not as dry as it sounds!) has recently been one of the top 15 selling books for Scientific American. The 'Atlas of Oceans, his big book on endangered life in the oceans, for Yale in the USA (A&C Black in the UK and Australian Geographic in Australia) garnered glowing reports prepublication from major figures in the USA such as the Cousteaus, Carl Safina, and Harm de Blij.
But he has covered a wide range of topics, including many books on contemporary issues such as 'Everything you should know about Iran', 'China Rises') and '101 Facts You Should Know about Food'. He also writes on the history of science and idea. In 2010, his book for Icon 'Do You Think You're Clever?' was a best-seller and was shortlisted for the Society of Authors Education Award. 'The World's Greatest Idea' was selected as one of the top 50 books of the year in South Africa.
He has a growing following on his internet sites, including podcasts and blogs, and is also a playwright and songwriter, whose work has been performed at such theatres as the Donmar and Almeida in London and the Salisbury Playhouse. Songs of his have been selected many times for the Sondheim Singing prize and other showcases.
http://www.johnfarndon.com/
