A geologist must have
596044
Best rock hammer for the money. Wouldn't go in to the field without my Estwing. A must have for geologists.
3768736
I'm from the East and was totally unfamiliar with Idaho and its unique geology until three years ago when I attended a  Road Scholar program on geology based in Twin Falls. Shawn Willsey was the program leader and every day we'd pile into vans and travel to yet another incredible landscape. He would explain -- in layman's terms -- what we saw and how it formed in clear language that painted a vivid picture of how the tectonic forces worked. Whenever I asked a question (which was often), Shawn patiently explained the answer. I realized quickly what an excellent teacher he must be. His enthusiasm about the subject was contagious. His book is a must-have for anybody curious about one of the most unusual landscapes in the world.
2723604
Lest you think that only scientific types will be interested in this book, let me provide that I am an 82 year old woman who reads a wide range of books.  This title got me because I live in Southern California (earthquake country) and still have fond memories of my Geology and Geology-related courses in college (in Colorado, which teemed with geological phenomenon for the great field trips).  I found this book absolutely fascinating.  It's rare that I read a book in two sittings - but this one warranted it.  The pages were turning as they would for a thriller!

The book is terrifically well organized - first introducing us to George Pfalker, the geologist with whom we share journeys and his obsession with the Alaskan Earthquake of 1964.  Next, we meet the people who are living in the path of the quake.  We get the background of all of the theories regarding the causes of quakes - with tectonic plates, continental shift, thrust faults and the importance of barnacles, etc.,  all explained in great, understandable detail.  Makes me wish I had majored in geology.

The tension builds as the narrative moves toward the earthquake itself, which is described in graphic terms - so realistically, that it's easy to get caught up in it - and it isn't easy to put the book down.  The image of devastation and loss of life is beyond anything we could have imagined.  What makes it doubly difficult to deal with in the reading experience is that we have grown to know the families and their communities.

Reading The Great Quake was not only a satisfying read, it was a tremendous learning experience.  I began to wonder where I was in 1964 and why I knew so little about this tragic event.  I was amazed at the geologists who spent so much time cataloging and measuring and recording the quake - and all of the help that was sent in the aftermath.  This book will chill you with the realization of the power of a wall of water.  We heard and saw pictures of the devastation of the tsunami in Indonesia, but, somehow, it is more real when you know that this also happened very close to home.

We grow to know George Plafker well, and it is interesting to know that the author and the 87 year-old geologist re-visited the scene together.  Plafker, after all his research, felt that a Megathrust-Quake like the Alaskan one, would only occur every 500 years or so.  But, he would still like to be around for it  - to see if his estimates are correct.
295102
If you are as fascinated by the Missoula floods as I am, you have to get both of these guides by Bruce Bjornstad. These are very practical guides to seeing the geological features caused by the floods in the mid-Columbian basin and eastward. It's a joy to read the detailed work of a professional geologist who obviously loves his subject.
3490113
A good start for any entering geology student. Variety of sources to refer to for further help. It's a shame the lab manual isn't attached to this book in some sort of package deal though.
4198524
I bought this for a friend who's been into fossils since he was a kid and enjoys looking for them when he's out in the woods, fishing, or rock picking. He loves it and says it will be useful to take with him; the book is a handy size and well-made.

I wish the illustrated cover portion was somehow part of the main cover and not just a paper "sleeve" - I think it would make the book more easily identifiable from other Audubon field guides (of which he has several).

Otherwise, a great purchase of a high quality book.
2084404
I'm a geologist with plenty of mapping and resource materials.  I've found that the "Roadside Series" is a great addition to my resources when my wife and I travel through the mountains  The writers did all the field work.  All I have to do is look and occasionally stop to get a great on-hands feel of the geology.  I own many of the "Roadside Geology" books and use them all.
3925339
For anyone starting an interest in geology, this is the perfect book. There isn't high use of jargon, which makes it simple to understand. Personally, I have spent many years studying the field and was looking more for a visual encyclopedia. For the price, it was a great buy.
180533
The book is an homage to those planetary geologic treasures that provide the backbone for the growing geotourism industry. As the population of this planet swells the geosites like the ones in this book will need protection, just as humans currently attempt to protect biologically diverse landscapes. See the last chapter on heritage; hopefully geoheritage and the protection of geologically important scientific sites (beyond just national parks and monuments) will become critical concepts and useful environmental planning tools at the state and local level in the USA. See also NATURAL HERITAGE FROM EAST TO WEST: CASE STUDIES FROM 6 EU COUNTRIES in the same Springer series.
4712183
Well written by a man that truly loves Baja, but best for anyone that is already interested in geology. Recommended for frequent Baja travelers.
4285152
A Holmes was a great geologist and this textbook is a great testimonial to a man who most certainly was a great earth scientist.
3908596
Well, this is the first time for me to read  about geology as I'm trying to change my career, I found exactly what I need to know about geology as a beginner, it starts from the first moment of forming the universe encluding all the hypothisis, theories and reasons, then goes thru formation of the earth. The writer took in account the level of the reader, no deep background required, what you know from high school is more than enough and the book will take care of every thing else with very detailed explaination, nice discussed contexts, and ilustrated with clear figures and photos. I recommend this to those who want to start geology.
1819184
I haven't read the paperback, but I just came across my copy of the 1956 hard cover and devoured it with renewed interest. Professor Lobeck selects 72 examples of geography and on the facing page illustrates the geological activity that resulted in that geography. New York harbor, Long Island, the Florida peninsula, the Great Lakes, the island arcs of the Pacific and the Caribbean are among the many mapped and explained geologically. A great book for the student of earth science and the traveller interested in maps and why the our earth is so different and interesting.
931188
Good book that even the amateur geologist can grasp, with many pictures that present the rock types and rock formations written about in a clear way.
4251776
I read this marvelous book as I toured the islands of Hawaii.  It helped cement my thoughts regarding the development of the idea of the

age of the Earth.  The book is well written, insightful, factually accurate, and the book I am going to recommend to all of my friends

who love Geology.  I am presently reading another book by Jack Repcheck about Copernicus. Thank you Jack for enhancing my love

for Geology.

  Dr. Timothy H, Folkomer
  Retired Earth Science Teacher
  Springfield, Pennsylvania
4623121
I bought this book for my daughter who has a strong interest in collecting rocks and identifying them.  This book is very comprehensive.  It not only helps to identify rocks and minerals with gorgeous pictures and charts, but it explains how they are formed with basic geology concepts.  A beautiful book, and very educational.
4688079
Shawn Willsey writes with the academic thoroughness of a geology professor (he is one) and provides both a glossary and a lengthy list of sources for more information on the 23 sites. Yet his writing is lively and accessible, too. Even a casual weekend explorer might be drawn into an explanation of the Yahoo Clay deposits where a lava flow once dammed the Snake River near Bliss. And the book doesnt ignore practical concerns like stinging nettle and poison ivy. Willsey even breaks into red type when he cautions that you must call the Big Wood Canal Co. about water releases from Magic Reservoir before venturing into the dry bed of the Big Wood River. A good book to have for anyone who's exploring the southern Idaho landscape.
--Virginia Hutchins, Times-News