Customer Reviews

The Practical Geologist: The Introductory Guide to the Basics of Geology and to Collecting and Identifying Rocks

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I use it to introduce students to basic physical geology. It is written at a basic level but the concepts are not oversimplified. The diagrams and text provide just the right amount of information- non- major students are informed but not overwhelmed. The Practical Geologist is a perfect supplement to the historical geology texts, and can serve as an informal and affordably priced lab manual.

This is a wonderful book for the beginning geologist or anyone interested in earth sciences. It presents the fundamental concepts of geology in a way that is accessible to the non-specialist, but without being oversimplified or condescending. It's full of lots of great pictures, and the best part of the book is the section where it tells you how to collect and label specimens of rock yourself. People of any age interested in science, especially go out and get grubby do it yourself science, will find this book an excellent addition to their libraries.

I have the habit of buying anything with geology, paleontology, history, etc. in the title, sometimes without thought to where I'm at with my knowledge base. This was one of those times! The book is a lovely, well illustrated, practical guide to geology for the beginner. Much of what the authors dedicate a single paragraph or page to I have had whole courses in already, so needless to say, I was not quite as enthused over the material as a new comer to the field might be. Certainly for the beginner, especially the Junior High natural science enthusiast, this would be a wonderful gift. It might even make a good text for a high school natual science course, as it covers considerable information on the earth sciences. I plan on giving my copy to a close friend with children interested in these subjects.

This book provides a fair introduction to geology with fairly clear diagrams and introduction to basics such as geological time scale and plate tectonics. The book tries to emphasize the practical side of geology: what can be seen and picked up. The introduction to common minerals was perhaps not as practical as I'd hoped, for some of the minerals without picture and just a description of chemical structure, hardness, and gravity I could not identify them. The information level was uneven: "a backpack full of rocks can be heavy" to arcane (The chemical reaction with feldspar to produce clay minerals). The section on different rock types was well done, but the section of mapping didn't seem practical (I couldn't really map a bed of coal). I think this book might be best if used with a very local or state geology guide.

Among my many interests, geology has always been lurking in the background, one that I never really pursued but nonetheless seemed worth knowing about. For this reason, I finally got around to getting a book on the topic, and picked out The Practical Geologist by Dougal Dixon. Although it isn't a bad book, it was also not the wisest choice for me.

As the title indicates, this is a book for the practical geologist, one that goes out to sites to assess the landscape: the types of rocks, the shape of the hills, et cetera. There are plenty of illustrations and photographs to assist the reader, along with information about how to write up notes and set up displays.

All this is wonderful in its own way, but for the true geological layman like myself, it is a bit more than what I wanted. That is to say, as an introduction to geology, this book is not wholly successful: while never getting overly technical, it also doesn't offer enough in the way of explanation. Instead, it just presents the facts and moves onto the next topic. It reads a bit more like a reference book than a regular science book.

The back of the book describes The Practical Geologist as the "perfect introduction to the world of earth science". This is not really the case. Nonetheless, I am giving this book four stars: I think that what this book does, it does well. If you're looking for a first book on geology, however, I would search elsewhere.

I checked this book out of the library and after halfway through decided it was a keeper and ordered my own copy. Mr. Dixon's writing style is straight forward and easy to follow. Plenty of illustrations to help visualize various concepts and landforms. I found the bit about tools and equipment really informative. It deals with what you really need and not just what neat tools you can get (and probably never have a use for.)

All of this makes for a good 'First Book on the Subject' read. I say that because if you have read any other introductory texts most of this book will be a review. Great for someone who is wanting to learn a little geology but hasn't done any study before. Both adults and children.

I recommend this book to anyone, like myself, who hasn't had a formal education in geology and just wanted to find out a little more. If you're wanting text on more involved subjects or specific reference I would suggest the NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY books. Good jumping off point, but the subject is deep and wide.

Dougal Dixon has written a wonderful book with detailed
discriptions suited for both the beginner and those already into Geology.This book is a perfect learning tool for all ages.
Perfect for education as well as recreational activilties.
I highly recommmend this intellegent,entertaining and well
written book.

After a long search, I've finally found a basic geology that is not for children, but is wonderful for an adult hobbyist. Gorgeous pictures, nice explanatory drawings, index and glossary are very helpful

This book is great for begginers or if you just want to refresh your memory. It breaks everything down and makes it easy to understand the basics and some of the more complicated aspects of geology. I would highly recommend this book.

I have owned at least 5 books on the intro to Geology and this one is brilliant. The Author's uses only 2 pages per topic with each of the 2 pages using colour photographs along with the text where necessary includes graphs and tables. Right to the point with an easy to understand text leaving you a complete knowledge of the topic!

Authors of non-fiction books need to take notice on how to do this as they just haven't gotten it and are much to verbose. I give the a 5 star+++. I look forward these Author's future books.