North Carolina: The Years Before Man : A Geologic History [Hardcover]

Fred Beyer (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Beyer's well-researched, comprehensive text traces the geologic history of North Carolina form Earth's beginnings..." -- Science, October 1993

Product Details

• Hardcover: 244 pages
• Publisher: Carolina Academic Pr (March 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890894000
• ISBN-13: 978-0890894002
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #606,305 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #34 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Geology > Specific Locations

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Too simplified and sometimes inaccurate, August 13, 2003

By 

Patrick W. Limber (Santa Cruz, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: North Carolina: The Years Before Man : A Geologic History (Hardcover)

Being interested in geology and a native of North Carolina, I was initially excited about "The Years Before Man". But, like the previous reviewer said, too much information is crammed into this relatively short book -- the entire geologic history of NC is too complicated to be confined to ~200 pages. The result is a watered-down geologic history of NC, some of which is outdated and inaccurate.
On the other hand, Fred Beyer has written an easy-to-read book on a subject that isn't always easy to understand. For someone with a casual interest in geology, "The Years Before Man" is an excellent start to understanding the complex geologic history of NC. Otherwise, I'd recommend looking elsewhere.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Interesting but limited, May 29, 2000

By 

Michael J. Miller (Evansville, In USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: North Carolina: The Years Before Man : A Geologic History (Hardcover)

The author attempts to cover a billion + of geology and paleontology in a very modest-sized book. The result is that both are treated on a very superficial level. It compares especially unfavorably with the new Geology of Pennsylvania (`600 pages) that sells for only $20...

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent intro book to North Carolina's geology, July 30, 2010

By 

Silver Hawk - See all my reviews

This review is from: North Carolina: The Years Before Man : A Geologic History (Hardcover)

This is an excellent introduction to North Carolina geology. Some jabs have been made at this book claiming inaccurate data. These claims stem more from a disagreement on what theories to accept as opposed to scientifcally proven fact. This book is written to be understood from a lay-person's perspective. It does the job for which it was meant-to give a simple overview in easily understood language. I would not recommend it for those who prefer twelve syllable words and scienfically cryptic syntax. I do recommend it for the average, everyday person who is curious as to the geologic origins of North Carolina. Enjoyable and informative reading with very adequate illustrations.