Planet Earth: A Beginner's Guide

Beginner's Guide (Oneworld Publications)

by John Gribbin

A highly entertaining and accessible introduction to our planet from the bestselling author of In Search of Schrödinger's Cat, The Scientists, and In Search of the Multiverse

In this lively expedition into the origins, evolution, and workings of our planet, John Gribbin does what he does gathers 4.5 billion years of geological history and shares the best bits. Taking an astronomer's perspective, Gribbin follows Earth's development from its beginnings in cosmic gas and dust to the explosion of human life after the last ice age, combining stories of scientific discovery with gripping accounts of geological activity - earthquakes, volcanoes, and climate change. Along the journey we consider Lord Kelvin's time-scale for the life of the sun; the meteorologist who first championed the idea of continental drift; and an intriguing proposal that Earth has expanded substantially in recent millennia. Told in Gribbin's dynamic and beloved voice, this is the perfect introduction to geology and an essential guidebook for anyone wanting to better appreciate the wonders of our shared home.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 16, 2011

About the author

John R. Gribbin is a British science writer, an astrophysicist, and a visiting fellow in astronomy at the University of Sussex. His writings include quantum physics, human evolution, climate change, global warming, the origins of the universe, and biographies of famous scientists. He also writes science fiction.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice, brief introduction to the geology of the Earth, starting with a history of the science itself and finishing with some rather chilling (but unsurprising, for anybody who doesn't have their head firmly planted up their butt) truths about how humanity's activities are changing the ecosystem.

To be honest, the ending note of '...and boy are we screwing the place up' didn't feel entirely relevant to the non-humanicentric focus of the rest of the book but it's a message worth repeating, so I'll let them off.

[The Talent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy a range of science books but I've never looked into geology much. Not only am I very happy with this first exposure, but I was also much impressed with John Gribbin's style and now that I see he has many books published, I may have a lot of work ahead of me. A great read for curious minds.

[Joy Paull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a very good way to get started and incredibly interesting!
He's a very good science writer.

[Any Length · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great beginners guide for anyone who wants to find out about this planet of ours. Also some great info for those who already know a fair bit.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book to provide an overview/introduction to geologic science related to planet earth as well as the insight into the development of life on earth.

[Daniel Wrench · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good clear coverage of the concepts of geology and its human effects.

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't understand all the science in this book - but enough that I was able to follow the topics being discussed, stay interested in the topic and keep reading.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good little audiobook I listened to

[Mills College Library]

550 G846 2012