Geology: A Complete Introduction (Teach Yourself)

Prompt. After an initial look the book seems to be as described.

Wow! A small book which expertly introduces you to all the facets of geology. If you are a dedicated amateur or a student, keep this book close at hand. I’ve always liked rocks and fossils. Now I like them even more.

Written in a very readable style, this book covers a lot of subjects in a very concise way. Each chapter has references for further study, and a test to help you see if you are comprehending the concepts. The subject is very complex, and the author does not pretend to cover everything, but I think I have a good foundation to build upon after reading this book. There are color plates at the end of the appendix that I didn’t see referenced in the text, and the appendix on mineral types could use some color photos, in my opinion. I would recommend highly this book if you are looking to learn on your own.

I love this book. It is neither too simple nor too complicated for the lay person to understand. I've had this book for years and years, but it was getting worn so I ordered this updated version and if you love geology but you're not anywhere near an expert, this is a wonderful book - more thorough than a lot of the non-expert books out there, but still written for people like me - just right for a thorough introduction.

In my opinion David Rothery has successfully condensed a very complex subject into a mere 388 pages , yet, he clearly explains the earth's magnetic core, plate tectonics, rock mineral formation, solar system geology, and more with sufficient detail to be intellectually pleasing to a lay person with at least some college science. Although any serious rock enthusiast will find the book enthralling. I found Appendix 2 which covers formation and characteristics of igneous, metaphoric, and sedimentary rocks especially helpful. I recommend reading this section before starting Chapter 1. I found it to be a good introduction to geology and some of its terminology.

Very informative. Words meaningful to an understanding of geology are introduced and explained / defined. These are then used throughout as if you now know / remember what they mean. To look back and refresh on their meaning, (there are a lot of them), would be easier if you had the book, instead of downloading to a reader. The reading was so informative anyway, I gave it 5 stars.

It is basically a textbook, so it isn’t exactly entertaining, but it is easy to comprehend and good at being what it is. I enjoyed the short concise yet thorough chapters. The little cut outs that remind you of key takeaways are great. It is a great informative read.

I enjoyed the book. I will be reading it through a second time soon. The author provides plenty of information and personal tips and knowledge from the field.

If you're a scientifically literate person who knows little or nothing about geology and wants a grounding in the subject, look no further than this book. It is comprehensive and well-organised, and Rothery is a very good writer with a talent for explaining tricky concepts clearly and concisely.

Perfect book for someone who has not studied the subject but wants to learn more. Will start broad and general and build on this knowledge to go deeper, very relevant and well built! I didn't want to put it down, I couldn't believe it was a geology book!

Just too simple..

Goed leesbaar voor niet engelstalige. Interessant als intro voor de leek. Goed te volgen.

Highly recommendable. Gives an excellent overview of geology.