Product Description

The First Edition of Earth: Portrait of a Planet revolutionized the study of geology by integrating traditional geological concepts with the most recent theoretical advances in geology, including theories of plate tectonics and earth systems science. Adopted at over 300 schools worldwide, this innovative text has quickly become the best-selling introductory text in the field.

Retaining the core strengths of the First Edition, the Second Edition has been meticulously revised, adding engaging new material and learning tools. The text's popular art program has been significantly expanded, including new satellite photographs and eighteen new "What a Geologist Sees" illustrations. Additionally, the Second Edition features the most effective and current multimedia tools available for instructors and students.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #72264 in Books
• Published on: 2004-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 740 pages

About the Author
Stephen Marshak is Professor of Geology and Head of the Department of Geology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University, an M.S. from the University of Arizona, and a B.A. from Cornell University. He has served as Chair of the Division of Structural Geology and Tectonics of the Geological Society of America. Dr. Marshak has written numerous research articles on topics in structural geology and tectonics, and has authored or co-authored four books: Basic Methods of Structural Geology; Earth Structure, Earth: Portrait of a Planet; and Essentials of Geology.

Customer Reviews

Excellent!
This books serves as an excellent introduction to geology and earth sciences. It is extremely well written and explains difficult concepts well. Because it is written as a college textbook the examples and analogies given are drawn from common experience that are easy to understand.
Among the best part of the book are the illustrations which are beautiful to look at and supplement the text expertly, again reinforcing concepts.
I appreciated the way the author has integrated the broad theory of plate tectonics throughout all sections of the book. In particular he has expertly woven the theory of plate tectonics into the history of the earth's evolution and how that in turn has led to the evolution of life.
This book is a great introduction for college students and for the educated layman looking to better appreciate and understand this wonderful place we call earth.

New Revised Edition Is Even Better
The sub-title 'Portrait of a Planet' gives you some idea of what this book is all about. It is almost a coffee table picture book, filled with photographs of the earth. Yet at the same time its first edition became the text book of choice at over 300 colleges and universities around the world.

This is the brand new second edition. The new edition has taken comments about the previous edition, integrated them with the results of recent discoveries and more examples, photographs, art work, and text to make the second edition even better. Each chapter of the first edition was sent to an expert reviewer (a world leader on that particular subject) for comment.

The biggest change in the new edition is to stress plate tectonics earlier and stronger to provide the underlying theory that covers most of current geologic thinking.

I also like his explanation of the oil situation. He looks at alternatives and points out that we may well be living in a unique time of history.

The best of geology
This book is indeed the best introduction to geology you can ever get. It has the most fundamental knowlegde and at the same time it includes a higher level. So it is for all people with an interest in geology. If you are a student and even if you are a normal person with great interest this book will become your favorite. It combins beautyful pictures with nice drawings and great text. It gives a good picture of what it is like to be a geologist and what the work includes.
Simply: you get the best of geology!! Injoy:o)