Retired professor Meissner organizes his compact, efficient introduction to earth history well. He alludes to one topic, then expands on it later so that the reader understands how geology integrates various specialties, including seismology, mineralogy, radioactive dating, and more. Meissner goes into deepest detail on the way seismic waves behave, how crystals form, and how decay elements are graphed to estimate age. This how-to underlies his narrative history of the earth from formation to the present. Meissner never seems to be pronouncing from the lectern, but rather, seeks to convey his own curiosity about the subject. The author summarizes the evidence on plate tectonics concisely and also points out the latest modifications of tectonic theory as well as the sophisticated seismic techniques with which they are investigated. Clarity and accessibility make this an excellent addition to the science collection. Gilbert Taylor
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
From the reviews: |"[The Little Book of Planet Earth] provides critical insights into the nature of Earth's composition, our understanding of Earth's magnetic field, and plate tectonics." Science News "How did life on our planet evolve? How old is Earth? How was our solar system formed and, with it, our planet? These are big questions, but the answers are found in this small book that gives broad insights into earth science." Science News "An amazing introduction to what scientific research through the past centuries up to the modern day has learned about our planet." The Bookwatch "The book is a small miracle." New Scientist "The Little Book of Planet Earth describes the geological evolution of Earth from its formation. … In this concise and engaging little book, the author introduces lay readers to the key topics in modern earth and planetary science: the creation of Earth and its moon, the role of seismology in analyzing Earth’s structure, the formation of mountain ranges and basins, the significance of Earth’s magnetic field, and more." (Science in Africa, October, 2002) "The Little Book of Planet Earth by meteorologist and geophysicist Rolf Meissner is an amazing introduction to what scientific research through the past centuries up to the modern day has learned about our planet. From the origin of the solar system to plate tectonics to earth’s magnetic field and much more, chapters teach all about the Earth in straightforward, easy-to-understand language accessible to lay readers. Highly recommended for all readers … ." (Circulation, June, 2002) "This small but delightful book should interest anyone curious about the planet he or she lives on. … Meissner treats this material in an interesting and easy-to-read style. But he does much more – he also describes the formation of Earth and its development. … There are numerous illustrations and photographs throughout, along with a section on further reading. … Strongly recommended. General readers; lower- and upper-division undergraduates." (B. R. Parker, Choice, October, 2002) "It is an up-to-date account of great breakthroughs in the earth sciences during the second half of the 20th century, that were published in top journals. … A very interesting work that satisfies one’s taste for understanding the basics of the science his professional occupation is based upon." (Michiel Dusar, Geologica Belgica, Vol. 5 (1-2), 2002) "It’s a simple plan and excellently carried out, exploring early ideas about the origin of the Earth, then describing the Solar System and gradually narrowing the focus until reaching the core of the Earth itself. Meissner then retraces his path with fascinating explanations … . There are admirable illustrations, too. … the book is a small miracle." (Roy Herbert, New Scientist, May, 2002)
See all Editorial Reviews
