Customer Reviews

Petrology: The Study of Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rocks

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... with the previous review. I used this text whilst studying second year igneous and metamorphic petrology (in Australia where the book is ~AUS$90 = ~US$45.) I found Raymond's writing style and use of language to be entirely appropriate for a text aimed at this level - if you are studying a science there is no point hiding from the jargon - the faster you learn it the more easier it will be at higher levels.

Raymod gives a good general overview of igneous and metamorphis petrology (I have not used this text for sedimentary petrology,) though I did find on some occasions that I was left wanting more detail, eg. regarding calc-alkaline basalts. However, the book is easy to read, and posses something that is often overlooked - figures and tables are generally kept on the same 2 page spread as the text refering to them. Colour reproductions of photomicrographs would be a welcome addition to a future edition.

While others may rightfully complain that this book does not shy from intensive and abundant geologic terminology, this fact brings an immersion in the field to any reader with the will to learn it all. This treasure-trove of "rock-science" (petrology) is indeed vast, covering many possible occurrences, not just common modes and types. As an avid geoscience student, I have found this book to be a bit dry, but that has been countered by the seemingly complete nature of the book; everything I've asked a question about has been answered, sooner or later, by this book.

Although the book is dense, dry and exhausting, some students really desire this kind of book. Any serious geoscience student should not be dismayed by the complete nature of the work; having access to such a volume of information should not be upsetting!

I've read M. Best (3 times), J. Winter (three times), and Blatt & Tracy (twice). This book (second edition) beats them all. I especially appreciate the abundance of photomicrographs and the thorough treatment of metabasites.

...to learn the level at which this textbook was written. As thorough as it is painful, this book should not be used for normal, college-level petrology classes. The sheer vocabulary used is enough to make any passionate geology student think twice about his/her choice of major. There was no reason to make a class pay this price for this textbook. Such a hefty price ought at least to spread some color images and diagrams throughout the book -- beyond the cover.

All in all, professors beware: your students will not read this text for your class. They need one written in English.