A visual aid to studying minerals in thin section, 21 May 2008
I am currently studying geology through the Open University, and was really struggling to get my head around what minerals I was actually trying to identify. It's hard to read a description of a mineral and then try to interpret it visually. This book has come to the rescue and has been invaluable to me. Nice book and pictures are great.

Brilliant for 1st years, but perhaps not a long-term investment?, 03 Mar 2008
I'm a first year Earth Sciences student and found this book invaluable, as a revision guide but also to clear up anything I was unsure on.

The photographs are excellent and the text well-written.

I do appreciate, however, that for some it may be a bit basic: I don't really see myself using this much beyond this first year of my degree scheme.

In short, great for a better basic understading, but not a great long-term investment... I borrowed mine from the uni library - perhaps a better idea.

Good book for beginners or out-of-practice seasoned pros., 04 Mar 2004
I was in two minds about buying this book after reading the previous reviews. However, I am very happy with the purchase.

The book is great for students new to the study of rocks in thin section. It covers all of the most important rock-forming minerals and then introduces the rocks that they are most commonly found in. There are also sections covering most of the most common and important textures. The accompanying text is simple and easy to understand and does not become bogged down with elaborate language or over-complication.

All in all, a good low-cost option for 1st and 2nd year students who take fright at the price of Mackenzie's Atlases.

Atlas of Rocks and Minerals, 06 Dec 2002
An excellent book for my BSc Geology degree. Very helpful if you are unsure about the properties and appearances of certain minerals in thin section. An invaluable tool. Anyone who says it is not useful is obviously not using it correctly!

This atlas is not really that useful, 29 Jan 2001
I bought this atlas and basically all it is really is pretty pictures. Not worth the money. If you want real help in mineralogy then buy "A practical introduction to optical mineralogy" by Gribble and Hall instead.

The colour atlas is a real beginner's guide which shows the perfect examples of various rocks in thin section and the more popular minerals. The section on feldspars is ok, but could go into more detail - it only shows sanidine, microcline and plagioclase for some odd reason.

As it result this book lay unused for three years and was a sheer waste. Spend your loans on other books by MacKenzie - but not this one!

A visual aid to studying minerals in thin section, 21 May 2008
I am currently studying geology through the Open University, and was really struggling to get my head around what minerals I was actually trying to identify. It's hard to read a description of a mineral and then try to interpret it visually. This book has come to the rescue and has been invaluable to me. Nice book and pictures are great.

Brilliant for 1st years, but perhaps not a long-term investment?, 03 Mar 2008
I'm a first year Earth Sciences student and found this book invaluable, as a revision guide but also to clear up anything I was unsure on.

The photographs are excellent and the text well-written.

I do appreciate, however, that for some it may be a bit basic: I don't really see myself using this much beyond this first year of my degree scheme.

In short, great for a better basic understading, but not a great long-term investment... I borrowed mine from the uni library - perhaps a better idea.

Good book for beginners or out-of-practice seasoned pros., 04 Mar 2004
I was in two minds about buying this book after reading the previous reviews. However, I am very happy with the purchase.

The book is great for students new to the study of rocks in thin section. It covers all of the most important rock-forming minerals and then introduces the rocks that they are most commonly found in. There are also sections covering most of the most common and important textures. The accompanying text is simple and easy to understand and does not become bogged down with elaborate language or over-complication.

All in all, a good low-cost option for 1st and 2nd year students who take fright at the price of Mackenzie's Atlases.

Atlas of Rocks and Minerals, 06 Dec 2002
An excellent book for my BSc Geology degree. Very helpful if you are unsure about the properties and appearances of certain minerals in thin section. An invaluable tool. Anyone who says it is not useful is obviously not using it correctly!

This atlas is not really that useful, 29 Jan 2001
I bought this atlas and basically all it is really is pretty pictures. Not worth the money. If you want real help in mineralogy then buy "A practical introduction to optical mineralogy" by Gribble and Hall instead.

The colour atlas is a real beginner's guide which shows the perfect examples of various rocks in thin section and the more popular minerals. The section on feldspars is ok, but could go into more detail - it only shows sanidine, microcline and plagioclase for some odd reason.

As it result this book lay unused for three years and was a sheer waste. Spend your loans on other books by MacKenzie - but not this one!

It Really Works!, 02 Feb 2008
It does! That is, composting in a wormery especially if you read this book. I did when I first started my wormery and everything has gone very smoothly and even through this cold winter my wormery is outside and the worms are still alive. The book explains all about why to compost in a wormery, what sort of worms you should have, what you should expect the bin to look like inside if all is going well and what to look out for if it is not, what to do and when, what sort of worm bin to get and what to do with the worm compost.
An excellent book for those who want to know how worms compost and particularly for those who want to set up their own worm bin.

Goodbye Slimy Messes, 24 May 2007
Worm Composting is a great thing to do but i had always ended up with a horrid slimy mess until i bought Mr Pilkingtons book. Easy instructions on how to get lovely usable worm compost, how to build a worm bin and other useful information - great stuff. I have read them all and this is by far the best.

Worms Are Our Friends, 30 Apr 2007
Ah - at last a book written for the UK Worm Virgin. George Pilkington asks the question, "Why Waste Your Waste?". It is a very good question. With UK local Councils sliding irrecoverably down the slippery slope which leads to us all being charged extra, by weight, for our 'non-recyclable' waste, using some method to deal with our veggie-waste (and quite a bit besides) starts to make, not only good financial sense, but is also good 'green' sense.

George sets out to introduce you to the way-of-the-worm by, firstly, introducing us to the worm-composting principles and the biology of composting, then he gets us to shake hands with our new friends, the worms (lots of worms!) and gently, step-by-step, he takes us through the whole process of buying, setting up, using and maintaining a wormery.

Trust me, it is fascinating stuff. Did you know that apart from the obvious veggy-waste, your worms love cardboard, biscuits, cereals, cakes, chocolate, eggshells, nail-clippings, newspapers, and, well....the list is almost endless. Busy little creatures these worms!

There is a whole section on commercially available wormeries, including George's own design, the 'Waste Buster' which, as far as wormeries go, is the Hilton Hotel of wormeries, only cheaper! After a chapter on using worm compost, there is a very useful Frequently Asked Question section and the book winds up with a chapter exploring the wider role of worms in the whole global community. Sounds heavy, but it isn't.

'Composing with Worms' is a very readable, profoundly knowledgeable and thoroughly enjoyable book written by an expert, described on his web-site as, 'The Original Worm-Man' . All he needs is some sort of super-hero costume perhaps!

If you, in any way, want to do something really practical in the way of recycling, rather than pontificating about carbon footprints and Polar Bears, then buy this book and get composting!

Excellent and must read for all environmentalists, 31 Mar 2007
This book has been a long time coming and is unusual in that nobody else has written about this topic in the UK. I recommend it to anyone who has concerns about the environment. This shows you, step by step in a very easy and digestible way! how to compost your food waste, cardboard waste etc and save it causing landfill problems, such as saving space, leachate, which we pay our water boards to clean out of our water and the greenhouse gas, methane.

Worms really do eat my garbage, 14 Mar 2006
Excellent resource for getting started at vermicomposting, very similar to Mary's "worms eat my garbage" but from a uk perspective.

Informs you of everything you need to start/maintain and even build a worm system, as well as telling you more about the little wigglers themselves

A visual aid to studying minerals in thin section, 21 May 2008
I am currently studying geology through the Open University, and was really struggling to get my head around what minerals I was actually trying to identify. It's hard to read a description of a mineral and then try to interpret it visually. This book has come to the rescue and has been invaluable to me. Nice book and pictures are great.

Brilliant for 1st years, but perhaps not a long-term investment?, 03 Mar 2008
I'm a first year Earth Sciences student and found this book invaluable, as a revision guide but also to clear up anything I was unsure on.

The photographs are excellent and the text well-written.

I do appreciate, however, that for some it may be a bit basic: I don't really see myself using this much beyond this first year of my degree scheme.

In short, great for a better basic understading, but not a great long-term investment... I borrowed mine from the uni library - perhaps a better idea.

Good book for beginners or out-of-practice seasoned pros., 04 Mar 2004
I was in two minds about buying this book after reading the previous reviews. However, I am very happy with the purchase.

The book is great for students new to the study of rocks in thin section. It covers all of the most important rock-forming minerals and then introduces the rocks that they are most commonly found in. There are also sections covering most of the most common and important textures. The accompanying text is simple and easy to understand and does not become bogged down with elaborate language or over-complication.

All in all, a good low-cost option for 1st and 2nd year students who take fright at the price of Mackenzie's Atlases.

Atlas of Rocks and Minerals, 06 Dec 2002
An excellent book for my BSc Geology degree. Very helpful if you are unsure about the properties and appearances of certain minerals in thin section. An invaluable tool. Anyone who says it is not useful is obviously not using it correctly!

This atlas is not really that useful, 29 Jan 2001
I bought this atlas and basically all it is really is pretty pictures. Not worth the money. If you want real help in mineralogy then buy "A practical introduction to optical mineralogy" by Gribble and Hall instead.

The colour atlas is a real beginner's guide which shows the perfect examples of various rocks in thin section and the more popular minerals. The section on feldspars is ok, but could go into more detail - it only shows sanidine, microcline and plagioclase for some odd reason.

As it result this book lay unused for three years and was a sheer waste. Spend your loans on other books by MacKenzie - but not this one!

It Really Works!, 02 Feb 2008
It does! That is, composting in a wormery especially if you read this book. I did when I first started my wormery and everything has gone very smoothly and even through this cold winter my wormery is outside and the worms are still alive. The book explains all about why to compost in a wormery, what sort of worms you should have, what you should expect the bin to look like inside if all is going well and what to look out for if it is not, what to do and when, what sort of worm bin to get and what to do with the worm compost.
An excellent book for those who want to know how worms compost and particularly for those who want to set up their own worm bin.

Goodbye Slimy Messes, 24 May 2007
Worm Composting is a great thing to do but i had always ended up with a horrid slimy mess until i bought Mr Pilkingtons book. Easy instructions on how to get lovely usable worm compost, how to build a worm bin and other useful information - great stuff. I have read them all and this is by far the best.

Worms Are Our Friends, 30 Apr 2007
Ah - at last a book written for the UK Worm Virgin. George Pilkington asks the question, "Why Waste Your Waste?". It is a very good question. With UK local Councils sliding irrecoverably down the slippery slope which leads to us all being charged extra, by weight, for our 'non-recyclable' waste, using some method to deal with our veggie-waste (and quite a bit besides) starts to make, not only good financial sense, but is also good 'green' sense.

George sets out to introduce you to the way-of-the-worm by, firstly, introducing us to the worm-composting principles and the biology of composting, then he gets us to shake hands with our new friends, the worms (lots of worms!) and gently, step-by-step, he takes us through the whole process of buying, setting up, using and maintaining a wormery.

Trust me, it is fascinating stuff. Did you know that apart from the obvious veggy-waste, your worms love cardboard, biscuits, cereals, cakes, chocolate, eggshells, nail-clippings, newspapers, and, well....the list is almost endless. Busy little creatures these worms!

There is a whole section on commercially available wormeries, including George's own design, the 'Waste Buster' which, as far as wormeries go, is the Hilton Hotel of wormeries, only cheaper! After a chapter on using worm compost, there is a very useful Frequently Asked Question section and the book winds up with a chapter exploring the wider role of worms in the whole global community. Sounds heavy, but it isn't.

'Composing with Worms' is a very readable, profoundly knowledgeable and thoroughly enjoyable book written by an expert, described on his web-site as, 'The Original Worm-Man' . All he needs is some sort of super-hero costume perhaps!

If you, in any way, want to do something really practical in the way of recycling, rather than pontificating about carbon footprints and Polar Bears, then buy this book and get composting!

Excellent and must read for all environmentalists, 31 Mar 2007
This book has been a long time coming and is unusual in that nobody else has written about this topic in the UK. I recommend it to anyone who has concerns about the environment. This shows you, step by step in a very easy and digestible way! how to compost your food waste, cardboard waste etc and save it causing landfill problems, such as saving space, leachate, which we pay our water boards to clean out of our water and the greenhouse gas, methane.

Worms really do eat my garbage, 14 Mar 2006
Excellent resource for getting started at vermicomposting, very similar to Mary's "worms eat my garbage" but from a uk perspective.

Informs you of everything you need to start/maintain and even build a worm system, as well as telling you more about the little wigglers themselves

An inspiration to all., 08 Sep 2005
I have just finished reading 'Soil and Soul' and would recommend it to anyone who is campaigning, or wishing to campaign for justice in their world. Equally I would recommend it to anyone who is totally uninterested in such matters, especially those who work for corporations and believe in the capitalist ideology. Alistair writes superbly with a rare depth and humanity that cannot fail to touch your soul and have you looking at the soil beneath your feet with a fresh sense of reverence and humanity.

There is enough here for everyone, 01 Aug 2003
`Soil and Soul` is a story of one thing and many things; the Earth and its people. Alastair McIntosh provides us with an object lesson and demonstration inhow the welfare of the later is indivisibe from that of the former. He demonstrates this interconectivity by telling the story of how crofters, on the Hebridean island of Eigg, reclaimed their custodianship of the land from the Laird and thus ended nearly 1000 years of injustice and feudal land tenure. He also tells the story, as yet unresolved, of the worlds largest aggregates consortiums attempts to gain licence to hollow out a superquarry on the Isle of Harris which would result, as one local put it, turn Harris into `..the gravel pit of Europe`.

`Soil and soul` is, though, more than the lineal accounting of eco campaigning and legal battles from an author who was intimately involved with both issues. Much of the book is given over to matters of history, theology, feminism and ecology. McIntosh begins with the tale of how Kings and corporations, power and wealth, have, over the centuries, in the Scottish Highlands obscenely stolen, terrorised and bullied it indigenous people. Inherent in this process, he posits,was the wilful destruction of native spirituality and self sufficiency all in the pursuit of power and worship of Mamon. In one sense then it is the history, writ small, of much of the history of the world.

If you blanch at the invocation of Mamon then perhaps this book isn`t for you. McIntosh doesn`t pull his theological punches. His spiritual outlook is deeply rooted in pagan christianity and its deep reverence of the `Mother Earth` and an imminent god. Passages from the Bible are often quoted. Do not, though, be put off by his pertinant meanderings into eco-feminism or liberation theology. He is never pompous or pious but he does, on occasion, vere towards the precious but this simply underlines his integrity and honesty. He is also prone to drift into the kind of academic-speak that, this fellow of the Centre for Human Ecology, might use with his undergraduates. But this is a small price to pay for the overall cogency of his beliefs, the subjects of which, in less rigourous hands, may be made to appear as just so much nouveaux-hippy wishful thinking. McIntosh doesn`t let this happen for a minute.

This book contains much to energise and sustain anyone who is perhaps only beginning to question our relationship with the land we live on and with. As a young man I read William Morris` `News From Nowhere` which as the years roled on revealed itself to be the book most influential on my sensibilities. I have no doubt that this book will have a similar revelatory impact upon some unsuspecting 17 year old who is yet to read it.

Before I had finished my copy I had sent another copy to a friend. Even if you do not wear a chunky jumper or knit your own yoghurt there is much here to be divined in this excellent book. It realy is the gift that keeps on giving.

A delightful, poetic read on painful subjects, 19 May 2003
"Soil and Soul" is about how Scottish land was stolen from its residents, how the natural flow of capitalism exacerbated this process, and how a great victory was won recently in getting some control back to the Scots over their land.

But this book is not at all polemical. It mixes the author's reminiscences of growing up in the Hebrides and rubbing noses a bit with the overlords; Bardic background to establish the culture of Scotland the people's natural relationship with the land; a balanced ergonomic analysis without fingerpointing; and a deep religious understanding as well; to lay the background for the battles to give the isle of Eigg back to its inhabitants, and to prevent a beautiful mountain from being turned into an unsightly garbage pit (this battle is not yet over however).

The latter part of the book carefully explains how a combination of mysticism, religion and careful grassworks planning actually helped to stop the Isle of Eigg from being a plaything of the rich. AN UNLIKELY TERIFFIC READ!

Most important book I have ever read, 06 Jan 2002
This book is essential reading for all those who care about the way our society is developing. Alastair McIntosh shows by examples such as the Harris superquarry that the giant corporates can be taken on and defeated. He does this in such a way as to (re)awaken a genuine sense of reverence for the Earth in general and my own country Scotland in particular. I have read it once since I received it at Christmas and I will be reading it again very soon!

This is an important and hope filled book., 11 Dec 2001
When I finished reading this wonderfully written book, I ordered four more copies, one for a group and three for individuals who,like the author, are about creating a more caring culture. I believe that his quest for environmental justice in his homeland will give the book's readers courage and hope as it connects to all such quests. It is in learning one another's stories that will enable us together to build a world that works for all.

A visual aid to studying minerals in thin section, 21 May 2008
I am currently studying geology through the Open University, and was really struggling to get my head around what minerals I was actually trying to identify. It's hard to read a description of a mineral and then try to interpret it visually. This book has come to the rescue and has been invaluable to me. Nice book and pictures are great.

Brilliant for 1st years, but perhaps not a long-term investment?, 03 Mar 2008
I'm a first year Earth Sciences student and found this book invaluable, as a revision guide but also to clear up anything I was unsure on.

The photographs are excellent and the text well-written.

I do appreciate, however, that for some it may be a bit basic: I don't really see myself using this much beyond this first year of my degree scheme.

In short, great for a better basic understading, but not a great long-term investment... I borrowed mine from the uni library - perhaps a better idea.

Good book for beginners or out-of-practice seasoned pros., 04 Mar 2004
I was in two minds about buying this book after reading the previous reviews. However, I am very happy with the purchase.

The book is great for students new to the study of rocks in thin section. It covers all of the most important rock-forming minerals and then introduces the rocks that they are most commonly found in. There are also sections covering most of the most common and important textures. The accompanying text is simple and easy to understand and does not become bogged down with elaborate language or over-complication.

All in all, a good low-cost option for 1st and 2nd year students who take fright at the price of Mackenzie's Atlases.

Atlas of Rocks and Minerals, 06 Dec 2002
An excellent book for my BSc Geology degree. Very helpful if you are unsure about the properties and appearances of certain minerals in thin section. An invaluable tool. Anyone who says it is not useful is obviously not using it correctly!

This atlas is not really that useful, 29 Jan 2001
I bought this atlas and basically all it is really is pretty pictures. Not worth the money. If you want real help in mineralogy then buy "A practical introduction to optical mineralogy" by Gribble and Hall instead.

The colour atlas is a real beginner's guide which shows the perfect examples of various rocks in thin section and the more popular minerals. The section on feldspars is ok, but could go into more detail - it only shows sanidine, microcline and plagioclase for some odd reason.

As it result this book lay unused for three years and was a sheer waste. Spend your loans on other books by MacKenzie - but not this one!

It Really Works!, 02 Feb 2008
It does! That is, composting in a wormery especially if you read this book. I did when I first started my wormery and everything has gone very smoothly and even through this cold winter my wormery is outside and the worms are still alive. The book explains all about why to compost in a wormery, what sort of worms you should have, what you should expect the bin to look like inside if all is going well and what to look out for if it is not, what to do and when, what sort of worm bin to get and what to do with the worm compost.
An excellent book for those who want to know how worms compost and particularly for those who want to set up their own worm bin.

Goodbye Slimy Messes, 24 May 2007
Worm Composting is a great thing to do but i had always ended up with a horrid slimy mess until i bought Mr Pilkingtons book. Easy instructions on how to get lovely usable worm compost, how to build a worm bin and other useful information - great stuff. I have read them all and this is by far the best.

Worms Are Our Friends, 30 Apr 2007
Ah - at last a book written for the UK Worm Virgin. George Pilkington asks the question, "Why Waste Your Waste?". It is a very good question. With UK local Councils sliding irrecoverably down the slippery slope which leads to us all being charged extra, by weight, for our 'non-recyclable' waste, using some method to deal with our veggie-waste (and quite a bit besides) starts to make, not only good financial sense, but is also good 'green' sense.

George sets out to introduce you to the way-of-the-worm by, firstly, introducing us to the worm-composting principles and the biology of composting, then he gets us to shake hands with our new friends, the worms (lots of worms!) and gently, step-by-step, he takes us through the whole process of buying, setting up, using and maintaining a wormery.

Trust me, it is fascinating stuff. Did you know that apart from the obvious veggy-waste, your worms love cardboard, biscuits, cereals, cakes, chocolate, eggshells, nail-clippings, newspapers, and, well....the list is almost endless. Busy little creatures these worms!

There is a whole section on commercially available wormeries, including George's own design, the 'Waste Buster' which, as far as wormeries go, is the Hilton Hotel of wormeries, only cheaper! After a chapter on using worm compost, there is a very useful Frequently Asked Question section and the book winds up with a chapter exploring the wider role of worms in the whole global community. Sounds heavy, but it isn't.

'Composing with Worms' is a very readable, profoundly knowledgeable and thoroughly enjoyable book written by an expert, described on his web-site as, 'The Original Worm-Man' . All he needs is some sort of super-hero costume perhaps!

If you, in any way, want to do something really practical in the way of recycling, rather than pontificating about carbon footprints and Polar Bears, then buy this book and get composting!

Excellent and must read for all environmentalists, 31 Mar 2007
This book has been a long time coming and is unusual in that nobody else has written about this topic in the UK. I recommend it to anyone who has concerns about the environment. This shows you, step by step in a very easy and digestible way! how to compost your food waste, cardboard waste etc and save it causing landfill problems, such as saving space, leachate, which we pay our water boards to clean out of our water and the greenhouse gas, methane.

Worms really do eat my garbage, 14 Mar 2006
Excellent resource for getting started at vermicomposting, very similar to Mary's "worms eat my garbage" but from a uk perspective.

Informs you of everything you need to start/maintain and even build a worm system, as well as telling you more about the little wigglers themselves

An inspiration to all., 08 Sep 2005
I have just finished reading 'Soil and Soul' and would recommend it to anyone who is campaigning, or wishing to campaign for justice in their world. Equally I would recommend it to anyone who is totally uninterested in such matters, especially those who work for corporations and believe in the capitalist ideology. Alistair writes superbly with a rare depth and humanity that cannot fail to touch your soul and have you looking at the soil beneath your feet with a fresh sense of reverence and humanity.

There is enough here for everyone, 01 Aug 2003
`Soil and Soul` is a story of one thing and many things; the Earth and its people. Alastair McIntosh provides us with an object lesson and demonstration inhow the welfare of the later is indivisibe from that of the former. He demonstrates this interconectivity by telling the story of how crofters, on the Hebridean island of Eigg, reclaimed their custodianship of the land from the Laird and thus ended nearly 1000 years of injustice and feudal land tenure. He also tells the story, as yet unresolved, of the worlds largest aggregates consortiums attempts to gain licence to hollow out a superquarry on the Isle of Harris which would result, as one local put it, turn Harris into `..the gravel pit of Europe`.

`Soil and soul` is, though, more than the lineal accounting of eco campaigning and legal battles from an author who was intimately involved with both issues. Much of the book is given over to matters of history, theology, feminism and ecology. McIntosh begins with the tale of how Kings and corporations, power and wealth, have, over the centuries, in the Scottish Highlands obscenely stolen, terrorised and bullied it indigenous people. Inherent in this process, he posits,was the wilful destruction of native spirituality and self sufficiency all in the pursuit of power and worship of Mamon. In one sense then it is the history, writ small, of much of the history of the world.

If you blanch at the invocation of Mamon then perhaps this book isn`t for you. McIntosh doesn`t pull his theological punches. His spiritual outlook is deeply rooted in pagan christianity and its deep reverence of the `Mother Earth` and an imminent god. Passages from the Bible are often quoted. Do not, though, be put off by his pertinant meanderings into eco-feminism or liberation theology. He is never pompous or pious but he does, on occasion, vere towards the precious but this simply underlines his integrity and honesty. He is also prone to drift into the kind of academic-speak that, this fellow of the Centre for Human Ecology, might use with his undergraduates. But this is a small price to pay for the overall cogency of his beliefs, the subjects of which, in less rigourous hands, may be made to appear as just so much nouveaux-hippy wishful thinking. McIntosh doesn`t let this happen for a minute.

This book contains much to energise and sustain anyone who is perhaps only beginning to question our relationship with the land we live on and with. As a young man I read William Morris` `News From Nowhere` which as the years roled on revealed itself to be the book most influential on my sensibilities. I have no doubt that this book will have a similar revelatory impact upon some unsuspecting 17 year old who is yet to read it.

Before I had finished my copy I had sent another copy to a friend. Even if you do not wear a chunky jumper or knit your own yoghurt there is much here to be divined in this excellent book. It realy is the gift that keeps on giving.

A delightful, poetic read on painful subjects, 19 May 2003
"Soil and Soul" is about how Scottish land was stolen from its residents, how the natural flow of capitalism exacerbated this process, and how a great victory was won recently in getting some control back to the Scots over their land.

But this book is not at all polemical. It mixes the author's reminiscences of growing up in the Hebrides and rubbing noses a bit with the overlords; Bardic background to establish the culture of Scotland the people's natural relationship with the land; a balanced ergonomic analysis without fingerpointing; and a deep religious understanding as well; to lay the background for the battles to give the isle of Eigg back to its inhabitants, and to prevent a beautiful mountain from being turned into an unsightly garbage pit (this battle is not yet over however).

The latter part of the book carefully explains how a combination of mysticism, religion and careful grassworks planning actually helped to stop the Isle of Eigg from being a plaything of the rich. AN UNLIKELY TERIFFIC READ!

Most important book I have ever read, 06 Jan 2002
This book is essential reading for all those who care about the way our society is developing. Alastair McIntosh shows by examples such as the Harris superquarry that the giant corporates can be taken on and defeated. He does this in such a way as to (re)awaken a genuine sense of reverence for the Earth in general and my own country Scotland in particular. I have read it once since I received it at Christmas and I will be reading it again very soon!

This is an important and hope filled book., 11 Dec 2001
When I finished reading this wonderfully written book, I ordered four more copies, one for a group and three for individuals who,like the author, are about creating a more caring culture. I believe that his quest for environmental justice in his homeland will give the book's readers courage and hope as it connects to all such quests. It is in learning one another's stories that will enable us together to build a world that works for all.

You will not find anything better!, 08 Feb 2006
This book is brilliant...I bought it as I'm doing Engineering Geology as a side module in uni 2nd year...It explains everything in clear-as-crystal English and has pictures too...It even helps those with no background knowledge and explained things much clearer than my lecturer who is a specialist in this field! Brilliant book and I can NOT fault it...Well worth every penny!!!

A Must For Civil's Students, 30 Mar 2004
This book is a must for Civil Engineering Students and Civil Engineers for all grades, my boss has even used it!!

It explains everything in normal English and keeps away from elaborate words used in many Geology books.

It has many a great example from the formation of England to the collapse of the cliffs in Scarbourgh.

It has great sections on Plate Tectonics, Ground Investigations, and Rocks of Britain all which have come in handy for University and work alike.

A Pumping Powerhouse Of A Book!!!, 28 Mar 1999
Where do we go? I say again, Where do we go? From the Fields of the Dream-Fawn to the Titus Forcep, Fine and Fine.

A visual aid to studying minerals in thin section, 21 May 2008
I am currently studying geology through the Open University, and was really struggling to get my head around what minerals I was actually trying to identify. It's hard to read a description of a mineral and then try to interpret it visually. This book has come to the rescue and has been invaluable to me. Nice book and pictures are great.

Brilliant for 1st years, but perhaps not a long-term investment?, 03 Mar 2008
I'm a first year Earth Sciences student and found this book invaluable, as a revision guide but also to clear up anything I was unsure on.

The photographs are excellent and the text well-written.

I do appreciate, however, that for some it may be a bit basic: I don't really see myself using this much beyond this first year of my degree scheme.

In short, great for a better basic understading, but not a great long-term investment... I borrowed mine from the uni library - perhaps a better idea.

Good book for beginners or out-of-practice seasoned pros., 04 Mar 2004
I was in two minds about buying this book after reading the previous reviews. However, I am very happy with the purchase.

The book is great for students new to the study of rocks in thin section. It covers all of the most important rock-forming minerals and then introduces the rocks that they are most commonly found in. There are also sections covering most of the most common and important textures. The accompanying text is simple and easy to understand and does not become bogged down with elaborate language or over-complication.

All in all, a good low-cost option for 1st and 2nd year students who take fright at the price of Mackenzie's Atlases.

Atlas of Rocks and Minerals, 06 Dec 2002
An excellent book for my BSc Geology degree. Very helpful if you are unsure about the properties and appearances of certain minerals in thin section. An invaluable tool. Anyone who says it is not useful is obviously not using it correctly!

This atlas is not really that useful, 29 Jan 2001
I bought this atlas and basically all it is really is pretty pictures. Not worth the money. If you want real help in mineralogy then buy "A practical introduction to optical mineralogy" by Gribble and Hall instead.

The colour atlas is a real beginner's guide which shows the perfect examples of various rocks in thin section and the more popular minerals. The section on feldspars is ok, but could go into more detail - it only shows sanidine, microcline and plagioclase for some odd reason.

As it result this book lay unused for three years and was a sheer waste. Spend your loans on other books by MacKenzie - but not this one!

It Really Works!, 02 Feb 2008
It does! That is, composting in a wormery especially if you read this book. I did when I first started my wormery and everything has gone very smoothly and even through this cold winter my wormery is outside and the worms are still alive. The book explains all about why to compost in a wormery, what sort of worms you should have, what you should expect the bin to look like inside if all is going well and what to look out for if it is not, what to do and when, what sort of worm bin to get and what to do with the worm compost.
An excellent book for those who want to know how worms compost and particularly for those who want to set up their own worm bin.

Goodbye Slimy Messes, 24 May 2007
Worm Composting is a great thing to do but i had always ended up with a horrid slimy mess until i bought Mr Pilkingtons book. Easy instructions on how to get lovely usable worm compost, how to build a worm bin and other useful information - great stuff. I have read them all and this is by far the best.

Worms Are Our Friends, 30 Apr 2007
Ah - at last a book written for the UK Worm Virgin. George Pilkington asks the question, "Why Waste Your Waste?". It is a very good question. With UK local Councils sliding irrecoverably down the slippery slope which leads to us all being charged extra, by weight, for our 'non-recyclable' waste, using some method to deal with our veggie-waste (and quite a bit besides) starts to make, not only good financial sense, but is also good 'green' sense.

George sets out to introduce you to the way-of-the-worm by, firstly, introducing us to the worm-composting principles and the biology of composting, then he gets us to shake hands with our new friends, the worms (lots of worms!) and gently, step-by-step, he takes us through the whole process of buying, setting up, using and maintaining a wormery.

Trust me, it is fascinating stuff. Did you know that apart from the obvious veggy-waste, your worms love cardboard, biscuits, cereals, cakes, chocolate, eggshells, nail-clippings, newspapers, and, well....the list is almost endless. Busy little creatures these worms!

There is a whole section on commercially available wormeries, including George's own design, the 'Waste Buster' which, as far as wormeries go, is the Hilton Hotel of wormeries, only cheaper! After a chapter on using worm compost, there is a very useful Frequently Asked Question section and the book winds up with a chapter exploring the wider role of worms in the whole global community. Sounds heavy, but it isn't.

'Composing with Worms' is a very readable, profoundly knowledgeable and thoroughly enjoyable book written by an expert, described on his web-site as, 'The Original Worm-Man' . All he needs is some sort of super-hero costume perhaps!

If you, in any way, want to do something really practical in the way of recycling, rather than pontificating about carbon footprints and Polar Bears, then buy this book and get composting!

Excellent and must read for all environmentalists, 31 Mar 2007
This book has been a long time coming and is unusual in that nobody else has written about this topic in the UK. I recommend it to anyone who has concerns about the environment. This shows you, step by step in a very easy and digestible way! how to compost your food waste, cardboard waste etc and save it causing landfill problems, such as saving space, leachate, which we pay our water boards to clean out of our water and the greenhouse gas, methane.

Worms really do eat my garbage, 14 Mar 2006
Excellent resource for getting started at vermicomposting, very similar to Mary's "worms eat my garbage" but from a uk perspective.

Informs you of everything you need to start/maintain and even build a worm system, as well as telling you more about the little wigglers themselves

An inspiration to all., 08 Sep 2005
I have just finished reading 'Soil and Soul' and would recommend it to anyone who is campaigning, or wishing to campaign for justice in their world. Equally I would recommend it to anyone who is totally uninterested in such matters, especially those who work for corporations and believe in the capitalist ideology. Alistair writes superbly with a rare depth and humanity that cannot fail to touch your soul and have you looking at the soil beneath your feet with a fresh sense of reverence and humanity.

There is enough here for everyone, 01 Aug 2003
`Soil and Soul` is a story of one thing and many things; the Earth and its people. Alastair McIntosh provides us with an object lesson and demonstration inhow the welfare of the later is indivisibe from that of the former. He demonstrates this interconectivity by telling the story of how crofters, on the Hebridean island of Eigg, reclaimed their custodianship of the land from the Laird and thus ended nearly 1000 years of injustice and feudal land tenure. He also tells the story, as yet unresolved, of the worlds largest aggregates consortiums attempts to gain licence to hollow out a superquarry on the Isle of Harris which would result, as one local put it, turn Harris into `..the gravel pit of Europe`.

`Soil and soul` is, though, more than the lineal accounting of eco campaigning and legal battles from an author who was intimately involved with both issues. Much of the book is given over to matters of history, theology, feminism and ecology. McIntosh begins with the tale of how Kings and corporations, power and wealth, have, over the centuries, in the Scottish Highlands obscenely stolen, terrorised and bullied it indigenous people. Inherent in this process, he posits,was the wilful destruction of native spirituality and self sufficiency all in the pursuit of power and worship of Mamon. In one sense then it is the history, writ small, of much of the history of the world.

If you blanch at the invocation of Mamon then perhaps this book isn`t for you. McIntosh doesn`t pull his theological punches. His spiritual outlook is deeply rooted in pagan christianity and its deep reverence of the `Mother Earth` and an imminent god. Passages from the Bible are often quoted. Do not, though, be put off by his pertinant meanderings into eco-feminism or liberation theology. He is never pompous or pious but he does, on occasion, vere towards the precious but this simply underlines his integrity and honesty. He is also prone to drift into the kind of academic-speak that, this fellow of the Centre for Human Ecology, might use with his undergraduates. But this is a small price to pay for the overall cogency of his beliefs, the subjects of which, in less rigourous hands, may be made to appear as just so much nouveaux-hippy wishful thinking. McIntosh doesn`t let this happen for a minute.

This book contains much to energise and sustain anyone who is perhaps only beginning to question our relationship with the land we live on and with. As a young man I read William Morris` `News From Nowhere` which as the years roled on revealed itself to be the book most influential on my sensibilities. I have no doubt that this book will have a similar revelatory impact upon some unsuspecting 17 year old who is yet to read it.

Before I had finished my copy I had sent another copy to a friend. Even if you do not wear a chunky jumper or knit your own yoghurt there is much here to be divined in this excellent book. It realy is the gift that keeps on giving.

A delightful, poetic read on painful subjects, 19 May 2003
"Soil and Soul" is about how Scottish land was stolen from its residents, how the natural flow of capitalism exacerbated this process, and how a great victory was won recently in getting some control back to the Scots over their land.

But this book is not at all polemical. It mixes the author's reminiscences of growing up in the Hebrides and rubbing noses a bit with the overlords; Bardic background to establish the culture of Scotland the people's natural relationship with the land; a balanced ergonomic analysis without fingerpointing; and a deep religious understanding as well; to lay the background for the battles to give the isle of Eigg back to its inhabitants, and to prevent a beautiful mountain from being turned into an unsightly garbage pit (this battle is not yet over however).

The latter part of the book carefully explains how a combination of mysticism, religion and careful grassworks planning actually helped to stop the Isle of Eigg from being a plaything of the rich. AN UNLIKELY TERIFFIC READ!

Most important book I have ever read, 06 Jan 2002
This book is essential reading for all those who care about the way our society is developing. Alastair McIntosh shows by examples such as the Harris superquarry that the giant corporates can be taken on and defeated. He does this in such a way as to (re)awaken a genuine sense of reverence for the Earth in general and my own country Scotland in particular. I have read it once since I received it at Christmas and I will be reading it again very soon!

This is an important and hope filled book., 11 Dec 2001
When I finished reading this wonderfully written book, I ordered four more copies, one for a group and three for individuals who,like the author, are about creating a more caring culture. I believe that his quest for environmental justice in his homeland will give the book's readers courage and hope as it connects to all such quests. It is in learning one another's stories that will enable us together to build a world that works for all.

You will not find anything better!, 08 Feb 2006
This book is brilliant...I bought it as I'm doing Engineering Geology as a side module in uni 2nd year...It explains everything in clear-as-crystal English and has pictures too...It even helps those with no background knowledge and explained things much clearer than my lecturer who is a specialist in this field! Brilliant book and I can NOT fault it...Well worth every penny!!!

A Must For Civil's Students, 30 Mar 2004
This book is a must for Civil Engineering Students and Civil Engineers for all grades, my boss has even used it!!

It explains everything in normal English and keeps away from elaborate words used in many Geology books.

It has many a great example from the formation of England to the collapse of the cliffs in Scarbourgh.

It has great sections on Plate Tectonics, Ground Investigations, and Rocks of Britain all which have come in handy for University and work alike.

A Pumping Powerhouse Of A Book!!!, 28 Mar 1999
Where do we go? I say again, Where do we go? From the Fields of the Dream-Fawn to the Titus Forcep, Fine and Fine.

Superb introduction to sedimentary rocks and structures., 20 Aug 2006
This book is one of the best introductions to sedimentary rocks and their structures that I have come across in 25 years.
It begins with a section on the structures found in sedimentary rocks. The diagrams are clear, concise, and very well explained. The photographs that go with them are among the best I've seen for demonstrating sed structures. They are almost professional in their quality, and the features you are meant to see are actually visible in the photos (no 'eye of faith' required, unlike some other textbooks).
The rest of the book is divided into chapters dealing with each group of sedimentary rocks in turn. Ironstones, conglomerates, evaporites, limestones: you name it, it's in there. Again, the diagrams and photographs are faultless.
Finally, the book finishes with a section on how to interpret sedimentary structures in the field.
If only this book had been available when I was an undergraduate! I would thoroughly recommend this book to any undergraduate (or even post-graduate) geology student as the first thing to pack in their bag before setting off on field work.
As a final thought for geology students, the University of Southampton (where Dr. Stow works) has a superb website on the geology of the south coast of England. If you like the book, you'll love the website.

A visual aid to studying minerals in thin section, 21 May 2008
I am currently studying geology through the Open University, and was really struggling to get my head around what minerals I was actually trying to identify. It's hard to read a description of a mineral and then try to interpret it visually. This book has come to the rescue and has been invaluable to me. Nice book and pictures are great.

Brilliant for 1st years, but perhaps not a long-term investment?, 03 Mar 2008
I'm a first year Earth Sciences student and found this book invaluable, as a revision guide but also to clear up anything I was unsure on.

The photographs are excellent and the text well-written.

I do appreciate, however, that for some it may be a bit basic: I don't really see myself using this much beyond this first year of my degree scheme.

In short, great for a better basic understading, but not a great long-term investment... I borrowed mine from the uni library - perhaps a better idea.

Good book for beginners or out-of-practice seasoned pros., 04 Mar 2004
I was in two minds about buying this book after reading the previous reviews. However, I am very happy with the purchase.

The book is great for students new to the study of rocks in thin section. It covers all of the most important rock-forming minerals and then introduces the rocks that they are most commonly found in. There are also sections covering most of the most common and important textures. The accompanying text is simple and easy to understand and does not become bogged down with elaborate language or over-complication.

All in all, a good low-cost option for 1st and 2nd year students who take fright at the price of Mackenzie's Atlases.

Atlas of Rocks and Minerals, 06 Dec 2002
An excellent book for my BSc Geology degree. Very helpful if you are unsure about the properties and appearances of certain minerals in thin section. An invaluable tool. Anyone who says it is not useful is obviously not using it correctly!

This atlas is not really that useful, 29 Jan 2001
I bought this atlas and basically all it is really is pretty pictures. Not worth the money. If you want real help in mineralogy then buy "A practical introduction to optical mineralogy" by Gribble and Hall instead.

The colour atlas is a real beginner's guide which shows the perfect examples of various rocks in thin section and the more popular minerals. The section on feldspars is ok, but could go into more detail - it only shows sanidine, microcline and plagioclase for some odd reason.

As it result this book lay unused for three years and was a sheer waste. Spend your loans on other books by MacKenzie - but not this one!

It Really Works!, 02 Feb 2008
It does! That is, composting in a wormery especially if you read this book. I did when I first started my wormery and everything has gone very smoothly and even through this cold winter my wormery is outside and the worms are still alive. The book explains all about why to compost in a wormery, what sort of worms you should have, what you should expect the bin to look like inside if all is going well and what to look out for if it is not, what to do and when, what sort of worm bin to get and what to do with the worm compost.
An excellent book for those who want to know how worms compost and particularly for those who want to set up their own worm bin.

Goodbye Slimy Messes, 24 May 2007
Worm Composting is a great thing to do but i had always ended up with a horrid slimy mess until i bought Mr Pilkingtons book. Easy instructions on how to get lovely usable worm compost, how to build a worm bin and other useful information - great stuff. I have read them all and this is by far the best.

Worms Are Our Friends, 30 Apr 2007
Ah - at last a book written for the UK Worm Virgin. George Pilkington asks the question, "Why Waste Your Waste?". It is a very good question. With UK local Councils sliding irrecoverably down the slippery slope which leads to us all being charged extra, by weight, for our 'non-recyclable' waste, using some method to deal with our veggie-waste (and quite a bit besides) starts to make, not only good financial sense, but is also good 'green' sense.

George sets out to introduce you to the way-of-the-worm by, firstly, introducing us to the worm-composting principles and the biology of composting, then he gets us to shake hands with our new friends, the worms (lots of worms!) and gently, step-by-step, he takes us through the whole process of buying, setting up, using and maintaining a wormery.

Trust me, it is fascinating stuff. Did you know that apart from the obvious veggy-waste, your worms love cardboard, biscuits, cereals, cakes, chocolate, eggshells, nail-clippings, newspapers, and, well....the list is almost endless. Busy little creatures these worms!

There is a whole section on commercially available wormeries, including George's own design, the 'Waste Buster' which, as far as wormeries go, is the Hilton Hotel of wormeries, only cheaper! After a chapter on using worm compost, there is a very useful Frequently Asked Question section and the book winds up with a chapter exploring the wider role of worms in the whole global community. Sounds heavy, but it isn't.

'Composing with Worms' is a very readable, profoundly knowledgeable and thoroughly enjoyable book written by an expert, described on his web-site as, 'The Original Worm-Man' . All he needs is some sort of super-hero costume perhaps!

If you, in any way, want to do something really practical in the way of recycling, rather than pontificating about carbon footprints and Polar Bears, then buy this book and get composting!

Excellent and must read for all environmentalists, 31 Mar 2007
This book has been a long time coming and is unusual in that nobody else has written about this topic in the UK. I recommend it to anyone who has concerns about the environment. This shows you, step by step in a very easy and digestible way! how to compost your food waste, cardboard waste etc and save it causing landfill problems, such as saving space, leachate, which we pay our water boards to clean out of our water and the greenhouse gas, methane.

Worms really do eat my garbage, 14 Mar 2006
Excellent resource for getting started at vermicomposting, very similar to Mary's "worms eat my garbage" but from a uk perspective.

Informs you of everything you need to start/maintain and even build a worm system, as well as telling you more about the little wigglers themselves

An inspiration to all., 08 Sep 2005
I have just finished reading 'Soil and Soul' and would recommend it to anyone who is campaigning, or wishing to campaign for justice in their world. Equally I would recommend it to anyone who is totally uninterested in such matters, especially those who work for corporations and believe in the capitalist ideology. Alistair writes superbly with a rare depth and humanity that cannot fail to touch your soul and have you looking at the soil beneath your feet with a fresh sense of reverence and humanity.

There is enough here for everyone, 01 Aug 2003
`Soil and Soul` is a story of one thing and many things; the Earth and its people. Alastair McIntosh provides us with an object lesson and demonstration inhow the welfare of the later is indivisibe from that of the former. He demonstrates this interconectivity by telling the story of how crofters, on the Hebridean island of Eigg, reclaimed their custodianship of the land from the Laird and thus ended nearly 1000 years of injustice and feudal land tenure. He also tells the story, as yet unresolved, of the worlds largest aggregates consortiums attempts to gain licence to hollow out a superquarry on the Isle of Harris which would result, as one local put it, turn Harris into `..the gravel pit of Europe`.

`Soil and soul` is, though, more than the lineal accounting of eco campaigning and legal battles from an author who was intimately involved with both issues. Much of the book is given over to matters of history, theology, feminism and ecology. McIntosh begins with the tale of how Kings and corporations, power and wealth, have, over the centuries, in the Scottish Highlands obscenely stolen, terrorised and bullied it indigenous people. Inherent in this process, he posits,was the wilful destruction of native spirituality and self sufficiency all in the pursuit of power and worship of Mamon. In one sense then it is the history, writ small, of much of the history of the world.

If you blanch at the invocation of Mamon then perhaps this book isn`t for you. McIntosh doesn`t pull his theological punches. His spiritual outlook is deeply rooted in pagan christianity and its deep reverence of the `Mother Earth` and an imminent god. Passages from the Bible are often quoted. Do not, though, be put off by his pertinant meanderings into eco-feminism or liberation theology. He is never pompous or pious but he does, on occasion, vere towards the precious but this simply underlines his integrity and honesty. He is also prone to drift into the kind of academic-speak that, this fellow of the Centre for Human Ecology, might use with his undergraduates. But this is a small price to pay for the overall cogency of his beliefs, the subjects of which, in less rigourous hands, may be made to appear as just so much nouveaux-hippy wishful thinking. McIntosh doesn`t let this happen for a minute.

This book contains much to energise and sustain anyone who is perhaps only beginning to question our relationship with the land we live on and with. As a young man I read William Morris` `News From Nowhere` which as the years roled on revealed itself to be the book most influential on my sensibilities. I have no doubt that this book will have a similar revelatory impact upon some unsuspecting 17 year old who is yet to read it.

Before I had finished my copy I had sent another copy to a friend. Even if you do not wear a chunky jumper or knit your own yoghurt there is much here to be divined in this excellent book. It realy is the gift that keeps on giving.

A delightful, poetic read on painful subjects, 19 May 2003
"Soil and Soul" is about how Scottish land was stolen from its residents, how the natural flow of capitalism exacerbated this process, and how a great victory was won recently in getting some control back to the Scots over their land.

But this book is not at all polemical. It mixes the author's reminiscences of growing up in the Hebrides and rubbing noses a bit with the overlords; Bardic background to establish the culture of Scotland the people's natural relationship with the land; a balanced ergonomic analysis without fingerpointing; and a deep religious understanding as well; to lay the background for the battles to give the isle of Eigg back to its inhabitants, and to prevent a beautiful mountain from being turned into an unsightly garbage pit (this battle is not yet over however).

The latter part of the book carefully explains how a combination of mysticism, religion and careful grassworks planning actually helped to stop the Isle of Eigg from being a plaything of the rich. AN UNLIKELY TERIFFIC READ!

Most important book I have ever read, 06 Jan 2002
This book is essential reading for all those who care about the way our society is developing. Alastair McIntosh shows by examples such as the Harris superquarry that the giant corporates can be taken on and defeated. He does this in such a way as to (re)awaken a genuine sense of reverence for the Earth in general and my own country Scotland in particular. I have read it once since I received it at Christmas and I will be reading it again very soon!

This is an important and hope filled book., 11 Dec 2001
When I finished reading this wonderfully written book, I ordered four more copies, one for a group and three for individuals who,like the author, are about creating a more caring culture. I believe that his quest for environmental justice in his homeland will give the book's readers courage and hope as it connects to all such quests. It is in learning one another's stories that will enable us together to build a world that works for all.

You will not find anything better!, 08 Feb 2006
This book is brilliant...I bought it as I'm doing Engineering Geology as a side module in uni 2nd year...It explains everything in clear-as-crystal English and has pictures too...It even helps those with no background knowledge and explained things much clearer than my lecturer who is a specialist in this field! Brilliant book and I can NOT fault it...Well worth every penny!!!

A Must For Civil's Students, 30 Mar 2004
This book is a must for Civil Engineering Students and Civil Engineers for all grades, my boss has even used it!!

It explains everything in normal English and keeps away from elaborate words used in many Geology books.

It has many a great example from the formation of England to the collapse of the cliffs in Scarbourgh.

It has great sections on Plate Tectonics, Ground Investigations, and Rocks of Britain all which have come in handy for University and work alike.

A Pumping Powerhouse Of A Book!!!, 28 Mar 1999
Where do we go? I say again, Where do we go? From the Fields of the Dream-Fawn to the Titus Forcep, Fine and Fine.

Superb introduction to sedimentary rocks and structures., 20 Aug 2006
This book is one of the best introductions to sedimentary rocks and their structures that I have come across in 25 years.
It begins with a section on the structures found in sedimentary rocks. The diagrams are clear, concise, and very well explained. The photographs that go with them are among the best I've seen for demonstrating sed structures. They are almost professional in their quality, and the features you are meant to see are actually visible in the photos (no 'eye of faith' required, unlike some other textbooks).
The rest of the book is divided into chapters dealing with each group of sedimentary rocks in turn. Ironstones, conglomerates, evaporites, limestones: you name it, it's in there. Again, the diagrams and photographs are faultless.
Finally, the book finishes with a section on how to interpret sedimentary structures in the field.
If only this book had been available when I was an undergraduate! I would thoroughly recommend this book to any undergraduate (or even post-graduate) geology student as the first thing to pack in their bag before setting off on field work.
As a final thought for geology students, the University of Southampton (where Dr. Stow works) has a superb website on the geology of the south coast of England. If you like the book, you'll love the website.

The most useful sedimentary petrology book ever, 14 Feb 2005
This is great for undergraduates, doesn't contain too many long words, set out in a sensible way. You need this for any sedimentary course, also for your third year mapping dissertation (unless you are not expecting to find any sedimentary rocks at all......in which case i think you should buy it anyway, cos Maurice is a Legend) (Although you don't need to buy the expensive new additions - buy the old blue one, it's a much better price)

Sedimentary Petrology, 03 Mar 2004
Really excellent first (and above!) year text, excellent diagrams and simple explanation which help to convey what the complicated world of sediments are up to!
I have to admit to it being the most used textbook I posses, due in part to it being fairly consise!!!
Brilliant text and an excellent author!

A visual aid to studying minerals in thin section, 21 May 2008
I am currently studying geology through the Open University, and was really struggling to get my head around what minerals I was actually trying to identify. It's hard to read a description of a mineral and then try to interpret it visually. This book has come to the rescue and has been invaluable to me. Nice book and pictures are great.

Brilliant for 1st years, but perhaps not a long-term investment?, 03 Mar 2008
I'm a first year Earth Sciences student and found this book invaluable, as a revision guide but also to clear up anything I was unsure on.

The photographs are excellent and the text well-written.

I do appreciate, however, that for some it may be a bit basic: I don't really see myself using this much beyond this first year of my degree scheme.

In short, great for a better basic understading, but not a great long-term investment... I borrowed mine from the uni library - perhaps a better idea.

Good book for beginners or out-of-practice seasoned pros., 04 Mar 2004
I was in two minds about buying this book after reading the previous reviews. However, I am very happy with the purchase.

The book is great for students new to the study of rocks in thin section. It covers all of the most important rock-forming minerals and then introduces the rocks that they are most commonly found in. There are also sections covering most of the most common and important textures. The accompanying text is simple and easy to understand and does not become bogged down with elaborate language or over-complication.

All in all, a good low-cost option for 1st and 2nd year students who take fright at the price of Mackenzie's Atlases.

Atlas of Rocks and Minerals, 06 Dec 2002
An excellent book for my BSc Geology degree. Very helpful if you are unsure about the properties and appearances of certain minerals in thin section. An invaluable tool. Anyone who says it is not useful is obviously not using it correctly!

This atlas is not really that useful, 29 Jan 2001
I bought this atlas and basically all it is really is pretty pictures. Not worth the money. If you want real help in mineralogy then buy "A practical introduction to optical mineralogy" by Gribble and Hall instead.

The colour atlas is a real beginner's guide which shows the perfect examples of various rocks in thin section and the more popular minerals. The section on feldspars is ok, but could go into more detail - it only shows sanidine, microcline and plagioclase for some odd reason.

As it result this book lay unused for three years and was a sheer waste. Spend your loans on other books by MacKenzie - but not this one!

It Really Works!, 02 Feb 2008
It does! That is, composting in a wormery especially if you read this book. I did when I first started my wormery and everything has gone very smoothly and even through this cold winter my wormery is outside and the worms are still alive. The book explains all about why to compost in a wormery, what sort of worms you should have, what you should expect the bin to look like inside if all is going well and what to look out for if it is not, what to do and when, what sort of worm bin to get and what to do with the worm compost.
An excellent book for those who want to know how worms compost and particularly for those who want to set up their own worm bin.

Goodbye Slimy Messes, 24 May 2007
Worm Composting is a great thing to do but i had always ended up with a horrid slimy mess until i bought Mr Pilkingtons book. Easy instructions on how to get lovely usable worm compost, how to build a worm bin and other useful information - great stuff. I have read them all and this is by far the best.

Worms Are Our Friends, 30 Apr 2007
Ah - at last a book written for the UK Worm Virgin. George Pilkington asks the question, "Why Waste Your Waste?". It is a very good question. With UK local Councils sliding irrecoverably down the slippery slope which leads to us all being charged extra, by weight, for our 'non-recyclable' waste, using some method to deal with our veggie-waste (and quite a bit besides) starts to make, not only good financial sense, but is also good 'green' sense.

George sets out to introduce you to the way-of-the-worm by, firstly, introducing us to the worm-composting principles and the biology of composting, then he gets us to shake hands with our new friends, the worms (lots of worms!) and gently, step-by-step, he takes us through the whole process of buying, setting up, using and maintaining a wormery.

Trust me, it is fascinating stuff. Did you know that apart from the obvious veggy-waste, your worms love cardboard, biscuits, cereals, cakes, chocolate, eggshells, nail-clippings, newspapers, and, well....the list is almost endless. Busy little creatures these worms!

There is a whole section on commercially available wormeries, including George's own design, the 'Waste Buster' which, as far as wormeries go, is the Hilton Hotel of wormeries, only cheaper! After a chapter on using worm compost, there is a very useful Frequently Asked Question section and the book winds up with a chapter exploring the wider role of worms in the whole global community. Sounds heavy, but it isn't.

'Composing with Worms' is a very readable, profoundly knowledgeable and thoroughly enjoyable book written by an expert, described on his web-site as, 'The Original Worm-Man' . All he needs is some sort of super-hero costume perhaps!

If you, in any way, want to do something really practical in the way of recycling, rather than pontificating about carbon footprints and Polar Bears, then buy this book and get composting!

Excellent and must read for all environmentalists, 31 Mar 2007
This book has been a long time coming and is unusual in that nobody else has written about this topic in the UK. I recommend it to anyone who has concerns about the environment. This shows you, step by step in a very easy and digestible way! how to compost your food waste, cardboard waste etc and save it causing landfill problems, such as saving space, leachate, which we pay our water boards to clean out of our water and the greenhouse gas, methane.

Worms really do eat my garbage, 14 Mar 2006
Excellent resource for getting started at vermicomposting, very similar to Mary's "worms eat my garbage" but from a uk perspective.

Informs you of everything you need to start/maintain and even build a worm system, as well as telling you more about the little wigglers themselves

An inspiration to all., 08 Sep 2005
I have just finished reading 'Soil and Soul' and would recommend it to anyone who is campaigning, or wishing to campaign for justice in their world. Equally I would recommend it to anyone who is totally uninterested in such matters, especially those who work for corporations and believe in the capitalist ideology. Alistair writes superbly with a rare depth and humanity that cannot fail to touch your soul and have you looking at the soil beneath your feet with a fresh sense of reverence and humanity.

There is enough here for everyone, 01 Aug 2003
`Soil and Soul` is a story of one thing and many things; the Earth and its people. Alastair McIntosh provides us with an object lesson and demonstration inhow the welfare of the later is indivisibe from that of the former. He demonstrates this interconectivity by telling the story of how crofters, on the Hebridean island of Eigg, reclaimed their custodianship of the land from the Laird and thus ended nearly 1000 years of injustice and feudal land tenure. He also tells the story, as yet unresolved, of the worlds largest aggregates consortiums attempts to gain licence to hollow out a superquarry on the Isle of Harris which would result, as one local put it, turn Harris into `..the gravel pit of Europe`.

`Soil and soul` is, though, more than the lineal accounting of eco campaigning and legal battles from an author who was intimately involved with both issues. Much of the book is given over to matters of history, theology, feminism and ecology. McIntosh begins with the tale of how Kings and corporations, power and wealth, have, over the centuries, in the Scottish Highlands obscenely stolen, terrorised and bullied it indigenous people. Inherent in this process, he posits,was the wilful destruction of native spirituality and self sufficiency all in the pursuit of power and worship of Mamon. In one sense then it is the history, writ small, of much of the history of the world.

If you blanch at the invocation of Mamon then perhaps this book isn`t for you. McIntosh doesn`t pull his theological punches. His spiritual outlook is deeply rooted in pagan christianity and its deep reverence of the `Mother Earth` and an imminent god. Passages from the Bible are often quoted. Do not, though, be put off by his pertinant meanderings into eco-feminism or liberation theology. He is never pompous or pious but he does, on occasion, vere towards the precious but this simply underlines his integrity and honesty. He is also prone to drift into the kind of academic-speak that, this fellow of the Centre for Human Ecology, might use with his undergraduates. But this is a small price to pay for the overall cogency of his beliefs, the subjects of which, in less rigourous hands, may be made to appear as just so much nouveaux-hippy wishful thinking. McIntosh doesn`t let this happen for a minute.

This book contains much to energise and sustain anyone who is perhaps only beginning to question our relationship with the land we live on and with. As a young man I read William Morris` `News From Nowhere` which as the years roled on revealed itself to be the book most influential on my sensibilities. I have no doubt that this book will have a similar revelatory impact upon some unsuspecting 17 year old who is yet to read it.

Before I had finished my copy I had sent another copy to a friend. Even if you do not wear a chunky jumper or knit your own yoghurt there is much here to be divined in this excellent book. It realy is the gift that keeps on giving.

A delightful, poetic read on painful subjects, 19 May 2003
"Soil and Soul" is about how Scottish land was stolen from its residents, how the natural flow of capitalism exacerbated this process, and how a great victory was won recently in getting some control back to the Scots over their land.

But this book is not at all polemical. It mixes the author's reminiscences of growing up in the Hebrides and rubbing noses a bit with the overlords; Bardic background to establish the culture of Scotland the people's natural relationship with the land; a balanced ergonomic analysis without fingerpointing; and a deep religious understanding as well; to lay the background for the battles to give the isle of Eigg back to its inhabitants, and to prevent a beautiful mountain from being turned into an unsightly garbage pit (this battle is not yet over however).

The latter part of the book carefully explains how a combination of mysticism, religion and careful grassworks planning actually helped to stop the Isle of Eigg from being a plaything of the rich. AN UNLIKELY TERIFFIC READ!

Most important book I have ever read, 06 Jan 2002
This book is essential reading for all those who care about the way our society is developing. Alastair McIntosh shows by examples such as the Harris superquarry that the giant corporates can be taken on and defeated. He does this in such a way as to (re)awaken a genuine sense of reverence for the Earth in general and my own country Scotland in particular. I have read it once since I received it at Christmas and I will be reading it again very soon!

This is an important and hope filled book., 11 Dec 2001
When I finished reading this wonderfully written book, I ordered four more copies, one for a group and three for individuals who,like the author, are about creating a more caring culture. I believe that his quest for environmental justice in his homeland will give the book's readers courage and hope as it connects to all such quests. It is in learning one another's stories that will enable us together to build a world that works for all.

You will not find anything better!, 08 Feb 2006
This book is brilliant...I bought it as I'm doing Engineering Geology as a side module in uni 2nd year...It explains everything in clear-as-crystal English and has pictures too...It even helps those with no background knowledge and explained things much clearer than my lecturer who is a specialist in this field! Brilliant book and I can NOT fault it...Well worth every penny!!!

A Must For Civil's Students, 30 Mar 2004
This book is a must for Civil Engineering Students and Civil Engineers for all grades, my boss has even used it!!

It explains everything in normal English and keeps away from elaborate words used in many Geology books.

It has many a great example from the formation of England to the collapse of the cliffs in Scarbourgh.

It has great sections on Plate Tectonics, Ground Investigations, and Rocks of Britain all which have come in handy for University and work alike.

A Pumping Powerhouse Of A Book!!!, 28 Mar 1999
Where do we go? I say again, Where do we go? From the Fields of the Dream-Fawn to the Titus Forcep, Fine and Fine.

Superb introduction to sedimentary rocks and structures., 20 Aug 2006
This book is one of the best introductions to sedimentary rocks and their structures that I have come across in 25 years.
It begins with a section on the structures found in sedimentary rocks. The diagrams are clear, concise, and very well explained. The photographs that go with them are among the best I've seen for demonstrating sed structures. They are almost professional in their quality, and the features you are meant to see are actually visible in the photos (no 'eye of faith' required, unlike some other textbooks).
The rest of the book is divided into chapters dealing with each group of sedimentary rocks in turn. Ironstones, conglomerates, evaporites, limestones: you name it, it's in there. Again, the diagrams and photographs are faultless.
Finally, the book finishes with a section on how to interpret sedimentary structures in the field.
If only this book had been available when I was an undergraduate! I would thoroughly recommend this book to any undergraduate (or even post-graduate) geology student as the first thing to pack in their bag before setting off on field work.
As a final thought for geology students, the University of Southampton (where Dr. Stow works) has a superb website on the geology of the south coast of England. If you like the book, you'll love the website.

The most useful sedimentary petrology book ever, 14 Feb 2005
This is great for undergraduates, doesn't contain too many long words, set out in a sensible way. You need this for any sedimentary course, also for your third year mapping dissertation (unless you are not expecting to find any sedimentary rocks at all......in which case i think you should buy it anyway, cos Maurice is a Legend) (Although you don't need to buy the expensive new additions - buy the old blue one, it's a much better price)

Sedimentary Petrology, 03 Mar 2004
Really excellent first (and above!) year text, excellent diagrams and simple explanation which help to convey what the complicated world of sediments are up to!
I have to admit to it being the most used textbook I posses, due in part to it being fairly consise!!!
Brilliant text and an excellent author!

Good, 02 Aug 2008
this is a good book but it could be written more clear. The content is good enough but the layout doesnt make u wanna read it.

Oh dear, oh dear., 12 Feb 2006
One would have thought that, now in it's seventh edition, that Tomlinson had got things sorted. Unfortunately, no. Still an appalling layout, still verbose diatribe, and still full of errors.

For example, why should Design of Retaining Walls come under "Buoyancy Rafts and Basements - Box Foundations"? Please somebody explain to me why this book is worth the price.

Excellent content explained clearly and illustrated well., 19 Feb 2002
This book gives a clear and concise account into the subject of foundation design for the construction industry. Tomlinson goes into more detail than I have encountered previously, and uses excellent illustrations and examples to support the theory.

A visual aid to studying minerals in thin section, 21 May 2008
I am currently studying geology through the Open University, and was really struggling to get my head around what minerals I was actually trying to identify. It's hard to read a description of a mineral and then try to interpret it visually. This book has come to the rescue and has been invaluable to me. Nice book and pictures are great.

Brilliant for 1st years, but perhaps not a long-term investment?, 03 Mar 2008
I'm a first year Earth Sciences student and found this book invaluable, as a revision guide but also to clear up anything I was unsure on.

The photographs are excellent and the text well-written.

I do appreciate, however, that for some it may be a bit basic: I don't really see myself using this much beyond this first year of my degree scheme.

In short, great for a better basic understading, but not a great long-term investment... I borrowed mine from the uni library - perhaps a better idea.

Good book for beginners or out-of-practice seasoned pros., 04 Mar 2004
I was in two minds about buying this book after reading the previous reviews. However, I am very happy with the purchase.

The book is great for students new to the study of rocks in thin section. It covers all of the most important rock-forming minerals and then introduces the rocks that they are most commonly found in. There are also sections covering most of the most common and important textures. The accompanying text is simple and easy to understand and does not become bogged down with elaborate language or over-complication.

All in all, a good low-cost option for 1st and 2nd year students who take fright at the price of Mackenzie's Atlases.

Atlas of Rocks and Minerals, 06 Dec 2002
An excellent book for my BSc Geology degree. Very helpful if you are unsure about the properties and appearances of certain minerals in thin section. An invaluable tool. Anyone who says it is not useful is obviously not using it correctly!

This atlas is not really that useful, 29 Jan 2001
I bought this atlas and basically all it is really is pretty pictures. Not worth the money. If you want real help in mineralogy then buy "A practical introduction to optical mineralogy" by Gribble and Hall instead.

The colour atlas is a real beginner's guide which shows the perfect examples of various rocks in thin section and the more popular minerals. The section on feldspars is ok, but could go into more detail - it only shows sanidine, microcline and plagioclase for some odd reason.

As it result this book lay unused for three years and was a sheer waste. Spend your loans on other books by MacKenzie - but not this one!

It Really Works!, 02 Feb 2008
It does! That is, composting in a wormery especially if you read this book. I did when I first started my wormery and everything has gone very smoothly and even through this cold winter my wormery is outside and the worms are still alive. The book explains all about why to compost in a wormery, what sort of worms you should have, what you should expect the bin to look like inside if all is going well and what to look out for if it is not, what to do and when, what sort of worm bin to get and what to do with the worm compost.
An excellent book for those who want to know how worms compost and particularly for those who want to set up their own worm bin.

Goodbye Slimy Messes, 24 May 2007
Worm Composting is a great thing to do but i had always ended up with a horrid slimy mess until i bought Mr Pilkingtons book. Easy instructions on how to get lovely usable worm compost, how to build a worm bin and other useful information - great stuff. I have read them all and this is by far the best.

Worms Are Our Friends, 30 Apr 2007
Ah - at last a book written for the UK Worm Virgin. George Pilkington asks the question, "Why Waste Your Waste?". It is a very good question. With UK local Councils sliding irrecoverably down the slippery slope which leads to us all being charged extra, by weight, for our 'non-recyclable' waste, using some method to deal with our veggie-waste (and quite a bit besides) starts to make, not only good financial sense, but is also good 'green' sense.

George sets out to introduce you to the way-of-the-worm by, firstly, introducing us to the worm-composting principles and the biology of composting, then he gets us to shake hands with our new friends, the worms (lots of worms!) and gently, step-by-step, he takes us through the whole process of buying, setting up, using and maintaining a wormery.

Trust me, it is fascinating stuff. Did you know that apart from the obvious veggy-waste, your worms love cardboard, biscuits, cereals, cakes, chocolate, eggshells, nail-clippings, newspapers, and, well....the list is almost endless. Busy little creatures these worms!

There is a whole section on commercially available wormeries, including George's own design, the 'Waste Buster' which, as far as wormeries go, is the Hilton Hotel of wormeries, only cheaper! After a chapter on using worm compost, there is a very useful Frequently Asked Question section and the book winds up with a chapter exploring the wider role of worms in the whole global community. Sounds heavy, but it isn't.

'Composing with Worms' is a very readable, profoundly knowledgeable and thoroughly enjoyable book written by an expert, described on his web-site as, 'The Original Worm-Man' . All he needs is some sort of super-hero costume perhaps!

If you, in any way, want to do something really practical in the way of recycling, rather than pontificating about carbon footprints and Polar Bears, then buy this book and get composting!

Excellent and must read for all environmentalists, 31 Mar 2007
This book has been a long time coming and is unusual in that nobody else has written about this topic in the UK. I recommend it to anyone who has concerns about the environment. This shows you, step by step in a very easy and digestible way! how to compost your food waste, cardboard waste etc and save it causing landfill problems, such as saving space, leachate, which we pay our water boards to clean out of our water and the greenhouse gas, methane.

Worms really do eat my garbage, 14 Mar 2006
Excellent resource for getting started at vermicomposting, very similar to Mary's "worms eat my garbage" but from a uk perspective.

Informs you of everything you need to start/maintain and even build a worm system, as well as telling you more about the little wigglers themselves

An inspiration to all., 08 Sep 2005
I have just finished reading 'Soil and Soul' and would recommend it to anyone who is campaigning, or wishing to campaign for justice in their world. Equally I would recommend it to anyone who is totally uninterested in such matters, especially those who work for corporations and believe in the capitalist ideology. Alistair writes superbly with a rare depth and humanity that cannot fail to touch your soul and have you looking at the soil beneath your feet with a fresh sense of reverence and humanity.

There is enough here for everyone,