Beginner's Guide to Metal Detecting, 31 Jul 2007

There has been a big upsurge in the hobby, or some may call it an obsession with metal detecting. Finds of coin hoards, rings, pieces of harness from the Saxon and Viking periods are well publicized and this wets the appetite of many a prospective treasure trove seeker.

This book gives a good insight into what type of metal detectors are best and how to use them correctly. This is extremely important, because a good metal detector is totally useless if it is not used correctly. The book shows that research can be very important also and a `feel' of where to do your detecting. The best metal detector in the world will not find anything if there is nothing to find. I know that statement seems pretty obvious but it is fact. There are hot spots where there is a good chance of finding something old, but maybe not worth a fortune.

The book gives an excellent insight into most things you need to know to go metal detecting. If you are doing it to have some fun, you probably will. If you are doing it to home in on some treasure trove, you are more than likely going to be disappointed, and remember all land in England is owned by somebody, no matter how overgrown or derelict it looks. Make sure you have permission to be there.

Beginner's Guide to Metal Detecting, 31 Jul 2007

There has been a big upsurge in the hobby, or some may call it an obsession with metal detecting. Finds of coin hoards, rings, pieces of harness from the Saxon and Viking periods are well publicized and this wets the appetite of many a prospective treasure trove seeker.

This book gives a good insight into what type of metal detectors are best and how to use them correctly. This is extremely important, because a good metal detector is totally useless if it is not used correctly. The book shows that research can be very important also and a `feel' of where to do your detecting. The best metal detector in the world will not find anything if there is nothing to find. I know that statement seems pretty obvious but it is fact. There are hot spots where there is a good chance of finding something old, but maybe not worth a fortune.

The book gives an excellent insight into most things you need to know to go metal detecting. If you are doing it to have some fun, you probably will. If you are doing it to home in on some treasure trove, you are more than likely going to be disappointed, and remember all land in England is owned by somebody, no matter how overgrown or derelict it looks. Make sure you have permission to be there.

A good book which could become a great one, 09 Sep 2004
The book is excellently presented, with plenty of diagrams and photographs to clarify points made in the text. It is well written but, considering it is produced with the lay person in mind it is easy to become lost in the blizzard of facts, figures and events which are presented on many pages.

The one-page diagram of the Geological time scale is great. The book would be so much easier to digest if other such information was displayed on one page (even as an appendix) for the movement of continents around the planet. Similarly for a table of the various events and the dates they occurred in Britain. Trying to keep track of it all from the text is bemusing.

The glossary, too, could be significantly expanded; as it is it's woefully inadequate and seems arbitrary. For example, dolerite is included, but not dolomite. It is far from clear why. Bearing in mind this book is primarily for lay persons it's almost impossible to remember where you last saw the term, say, ophiolite, when you see it again in the text, so you can check its meaning. A more complete glossary would eradicate this problem.

This is a great book. With additions to make it easier to cross-reference terms and events it could be a 'classic' for lay people with an interest in geology

The Geology of Britain, 17 Mar 2003
I borrowed this book from the school library for months finding it an invaluable resource in my A2 level work. I now own my own copy of this excellant book which clearly details what Britain was like, its paleogeography and its rock strata in each of the geological time periods. My only fault is that a glossery would be great but otherwise this book is worthy of the full five stars.

A great well-produced introduction, 07 Jan 2003
I bought this book because I was wanted a light introduction to the geology of the UK – nothing too technical, preferably with illustrations to make the points, and hopefully with a sense of narrative to bring 2,000 million years of geological history to life.

This book delivered. I'm not a geologist, so I can't say whether Peter Toghill incorporated the latest evidence or did justice to the complexities of geological debate that I'm sure exist, but he certainly provided the level of answers that I was looking for.

This is a work that inspired me to read more. What better praise for a self-professed introductiory work!

Great book : very clear explanations and figures., 02 Aug 2001
When I was at school the little geology I learned was awfully boring: just the accumulation of layers and layers of stuff over millions of years. But this book has now turned me into a geology fanatic. It explains in historical sequence how the geological formations of Britain have come about. Even with little prior knowledge it is very easy to read (I thought), and I am particularly fond of all the many very well designed colour figures that are a terrific aid in understanding the variouses processes. Whole-heartedly recommended to anyone who's ever wondered why the rocks around the corner from his place look the way they look!

Great historical guide to regional geology, 06 Mar 2000
This book provides a fairly in-depth historical account of the processes and events which shaped the various lumps of rock we call Britain over geological time.

Each chapter deals with a particular period, and describes what was going on in each region. This means the emphasis is on describing the characteristics of each period rather than on the particular history of one region.

As a geology student (OU s260 this year, hello everyone), I've found this book really useful for getting a handle on the different periods - it does a good job of emphasising and contrasting each period's particular features. I feel I have some understanding of what differentiates the Devonian from the Silurian. I even know how long ago they were!

So why not five stars?

Firstly, the book makes little attempt to explain some of the terms it uses as it goes along. For a beginner, that can make it a bit of a slog at first. Having said that, you soon become used to the language and the second time you read it will be a lot more fun than the first.

Secondly, I'd have liked an additional chapter which gave a summary of the complete geological history of each of the regions. It would be nice to have been able to read in three or four paragraphs an overview of how Scotland happened. I think this would have been quite easy to do, and would have provided some useful broad context for the rest of the book.

Having said all this, the book is very useful, very informative, and packed full of exactly the sort of stuff you're interested in if you're reading a review of a book about Geology anyway!

Beginner's Guide to Metal Detecting, 31 Jul 2007

There has been a big upsurge in the hobby, or some may call it an obsession with metal detecting. Finds of coin hoards, rings, pieces of harness from the Saxon and Viking periods are well publicized and this wets the appetite of many a prospective treasure trove seeker.

This book gives a good insight into what type of metal detectors are best and how to use them correctly. This is extremely important, because a good metal detector is totally useless if it is not used correctly. The book shows that research can be very important also and a `feel' of where to do your detecting. The best metal detector in the world will not find anything if there is nothing to find. I know that statement seems pretty obvious but it is fact. There are hot spots where there is a good chance of finding something old, but maybe not worth a fortune.

The book gives an excellent insight into most things you need to know to go metal detecting. If you are doing it to have some fun, you probably will. If you are doing it to home in on some treasure trove, you are more than likely going to be disappointed, and remember all land in England is owned by somebody, no matter how overgrown or derelict it looks. Make sure you have permission to be there.

A good book which could become a great one, 09 Sep 2004
The book is excellently presented, with plenty of diagrams and photographs to clarify points made in the text. It is well written but, considering it is produced with the lay person in mind it is easy to become lost in the blizzard of facts, figures and events which are presented on many pages.

The one-page diagram of the Geological time scale is great. The book would be so much easier to digest if other such information was displayed on one page (even as an appendix) for the movement of continents around the planet. Similarly for a table of the various events and the dates they occurred in Britain. Trying to keep track of it all from the text is bemusing.

The glossary, too, could be significantly expanded; as it is it's woefully inadequate and seems arbitrary. For example, dolerite is included, but not dolomite. It is far from clear why. Bearing in mind this book is primarily for lay persons it's almost impossible to remember where you last saw the term, say, ophiolite, when you see it again in the text, so you can check its meaning. A more complete glossary would eradicate this problem.

This is a great book. With additions to make it easier to cross-reference terms and events it could be a 'classic' for lay people with an interest in geology

The Geology of Britain, 17 Mar 2003
I borrowed this book from the school library for months finding it an invaluable resource in my A2 level work. I now own my own copy of this excellant book which clearly details what Britain was like, its paleogeography and its rock strata in each of the geological time periods. My only fault is that a glossery would be great but otherwise this book is worthy of the full five stars.

A great well-produced introduction, 07 Jan 2003
I bought this book because I was wanted a light introduction to the geology of the UK – nothing too technical, preferably with illustrations to make the points, and hopefully with a sense of narrative to bring 2,000 million years of geological history to life.

This book delivered. I'm not a geologist, so I can't say whether Peter Toghill incorporated the latest evidence or did justice to the complexities of geological debate that I'm sure exist, but he certainly provided the level of answers that I was looking for.

This is a work that inspired me to read more. What better praise for a self-professed introductiory work!

Great book : very clear explanations and figures., 02 Aug 2001
When I was at school the little geology I learned was awfully boring: just the accumulation of layers and layers of stuff over millions of years. But this book has now turned me into a geology fanatic. It explains in historical sequence how the geological formations of Britain have come about. Even with little prior knowledge it is very easy to read (I thought), and I am particularly fond of all the many very well designed colour figures that are a terrific aid in understanding the variouses processes. Whole-heartedly recommended to anyone who's ever wondered why the rocks around the corner from his place look the way they look!

Great historical guide to regional geology, 06 Mar 2000
This book provides a fairly in-depth historical account of the processes and events which shaped the various lumps of rock we call Britain over geological time.

Each chapter deals with a particular period, and describes what was going on in each region. This means the emphasis is on describing the characteristics of each period rather than on the particular history of one region.

As a geology student (OU s260 this year, hello everyone), I've found this book really useful for getting a handle on the different periods - it does a good job of emphasising and contrasting each period's particular features. I feel I have some understanding of what differentiates the Devonian from the Silurian. I even know how long ago they were!

So why not five stars?

Firstly, the book makes little attempt to explain some of the terms it uses as it goes along. For a beginner, that can make it a bit of a slog at first. Having said that, you soon become used to the language and the second time you read it will be a lot more fun than the first.

Secondly, I'd have liked an additional chapter which gave a summary of the complete geological history of each of the regions. It would be nice to have been able to read in three or four paragraphs an overview of how Scotland happened. I think this would have been quite easy to do, and would have provided some useful broad context for the rest of the book.

Having said all this, the book is very useful, very informative, and packed full of exactly the sort of stuff you're interested in if you're reading a review of a book about Geology anyway!

deserves wider readership than Geology students, 05 Oct 2008
A wide range of readers with some scientific knowledge and anyone concerned about the effects of climate change should find interest and stimulation from this well written book.
The presently short span of life on earth of our species and the record of the changes we are responsible for are put into the geological context.
I bought this book as a geology student but found it very much more thought provoking than any text book.
Never before have I felt moved to give 5 stars to a book on Amazon but this is the one I would recommend.

Beginner's Guide to Metal Detecting, 31 Jul 2007

There has been a big upsurge in the hobby, or some may call it an obsession with metal detecting. Finds of coin hoards, rings, pieces of harness from the Saxon and Viking periods are well publicized and this wets the appetite of many a prospective treasure trove seeker.

This book gives a good insight into what type of metal detectors are best and how to use them correctly. This is extremely important, because a good metal detector is totally useless if it is not used correctly. The book shows that research can be very important also and a `feel' of where to do your detecting. The best metal detector in the world will not find anything if there is nothing to find. I know that statement seems pretty obvious but it is fact. There are hot spots where there is a good chance of finding something old, but maybe not worth a fortune.

The book gives an excellent insight into most things you need to know to go metal detecting. If you are doing it to have some fun, you probably will. If you are doing it to home in on some treasure trove, you are more than likely going to be disappointed, and remember all land in England is owned by somebody, no matter how overgrown or derelict it looks. Make sure you have permission to be there.

A good book which could become a great one, 09 Sep 2004
The book is excellently presented, with plenty of diagrams and photographs to clarify points made in the text. It is well written but, considering it is produced with the lay person in mind it is easy to become lost in the blizzard of facts, figures and events which are presented on many pages.

The one-page diagram of the Geological time scale is great. The book would be so much easier to digest if other such information was displayed on one page (even as an appendix) for the movement of continents around the planet. Similarly for a table of the various events and the dates they occurred in Britain. Trying to keep track of it all from the text is bemusing.

The glossary, too, could be significantly expanded; as it is it's woefully inadequate and seems arbitrary. For example, dolerite is included, but not dolomite. It is far from clear why. Bearing in mind this book is primarily for lay persons it's almost impossible to remember where you last saw the term, say, ophiolite, when you see it again in the text, so you can check its meaning. A more complete glossary would eradicate this problem.

This is a great book. With additions to make it easier to cross-reference terms and events it could be a 'classic' for lay people with an interest in geology

The Geology of Britain, 17 Mar 2003
I borrowed this book from the school library for months finding it an invaluable resource in my A2 level work. I now own my own copy of this excellant book which clearly details what Britain was like, its paleogeography and its rock strata in each of the geological time periods. My only fault is that a glossery would be great but otherwise this book is worthy of the full five stars.

A great well-produced introduction, 07 Jan 2003
I bought this book because I was wanted a light introduction to the geology of the UK – nothing too technical, preferably with illustrations to make the points, and hopefully with a sense of narrative to bring 2,000 million years of geological history to life.

This book delivered. I'm not a geologist, so I can't say whether Peter Toghill incorporated the latest evidence or did justice to the complexities of geological debate that I'm sure exist, but he certainly provided the level of answers that I was looking for.

This is a work that inspired me to read more. What better praise for a self-professed introductiory work!

Great book : very clear explanations and figures., 02 Aug 2001
When I was at school the little geology I learned was awfully boring: just the accumulation of layers and layers of stuff over millions of years. But this book has now turned me into a geology fanatic. It explains in historical sequence how the geological formations of Britain have come about. Even with little prior knowledge it is very easy to read (I thought), and I am particularly fond of all the many very well designed colour figures that are a terrific aid in understanding the variouses processes. Whole-heartedly recommended to anyone who's ever wondered why the rocks around the corner from his place look the way they look!

Great historical guide to regional geology, 06 Mar 2000
This book provides a fairly in-depth historical account of the processes and events which shaped the various lumps of rock we call Britain over geological time.

Each chapter deals with a particular period, and describes what was going on in each region. This means the emphasis is on describing the characteristics of each period rather than on the particular history of one region.

As a geology student (OU s260 this year, hello everyone), I've found this book really useful for getting a handle on the different periods - it does a good job of emphasising and contrasting each period's particular features. I feel I have some understanding of what differentiates the Devonian from the Silurian. I even know how long ago they were!

So why not five stars?

Firstly, the book makes little attempt to explain some of the terms it uses as it goes along. For a beginner, that can make it a bit of a slog at first. Having said that, you soon become used to the language and the second time you read it will be a lot more fun than the first.

Secondly, I'd have liked an additional chapter which gave a summary of the complete geological history of each of the regions. It would be nice to have been able to read in three or four paragraphs an overview of how Scotland happened. I think this would have been quite easy to do, and would have provided some useful broad context for the rest of the book.

Having said all this, the book is very useful, very informative, and packed full of exactly the sort of stuff you're interested in if you're reading a review of a book about Geology anyway!

deserves wider readership than Geology students, 05 Oct 2008
A wide range of readers with some scientific knowledge and anyone concerned about the effects of climate change should find interest and stimulation from this well written book.
The presently short span of life on earth of our species and the record of the changes we are responsible for are put into the geological context.
I bought this book as a geology student but found it very much more thought provoking than any text book.
Never before have I felt moved to give 5 stars to a book on Amazon but this is the one I would recommend.

Good for Beginners, 28 Feb 2008
This book is good if you are just starting out looking at gemstones and gemmology. However it does not give much more than a brief outline of each stone with a few nice pictures which leaves you wanting more! Good reference charts at the back of the book. Other than the charts, no real visual identifying tips of any real value imo ie. microphotos etc or tips on id synthetics etc. Still a nice book to have and does contribute something when compared with other books.

great book, 09 Oct 2006
this book is great for the beginner and those a little more expert

Informative and nicely illustrated, 20 Dec 2005
Like all DK books, this is beautifully illustrated and informative. It's the kind of book you'll probably find yourself dipping into now and again, rather than reading cover to cover in one go. User friendly and doesn't baffle with unnecessary science.

A Good Start, 29 Nov 2005
This handbook is essential reading for any new jewellers and provides the basics needed for product knowledge. Well laid out information, multiple illustrations. A definitely GOOD starting point.

Well it's a damn good book if you like like you'r gems., 28 May 2001
It tell's you what and where they come from around the world. It's a really good book if someone really like's there Gem stones. It show's you all the different shape's and sizes of the stone's. I'm a really big fan of Gem's, I have got Citrine, All kinds of Garnet stones, Diamonds,Tanzanite etc etc.... The list just goes on.

So take a look at it.

Beginner's Guide to Metal Detecting, 31 Jul 2007

There has been a big upsurge in the hobby, or some may call it an obsession with metal detecting. Finds of coin hoards, rings, pieces of harness from the Saxon and Viking periods are well publicized and this wets the appetite of many a prospective treasure trove seeker.

This book gives a good insight into what type of metal detectors are best and how to use them correctly. This is extremely important, because a good metal detector is totally useless if it is not used correctly. The book shows that research can be very important also and a `feel' of where to do your detecting. The best metal detector in the world will not find anything if there is nothing to find. I know that statement seems pretty obvious but it is fact. There are hot spots where there is a good chance of finding something old, but maybe not worth a fortune.

The book gives an excellent insight into most things you need to know to go metal detecting. If you are doing it to have some fun, you probably will. If you are doing it to home in on some treasure trove, you are more than likely going to be disappointed, and remember all land in England is owned by somebody, no matter how overgrown or derelict it looks. Make sure you have permission to be there.

A good book which could become a great one, 09 Sep 2004
The book is excellently presented, with plenty of diagrams and photographs to clarify points made in the text. It is well written but, considering it is produced with the lay person in mind it is easy to become lost in the blizzard of facts, figures and events which are presented on many pages.

The one-page diagram of the Geological time scale is great. The book would be so much easier to digest if other such information was displayed on one page (even as an appendix) for the movement of continents around the planet. Similarly for a table of the various events and the dates they occurred in Britain. Trying to keep track of it all from the text is bemusing.

The glossary, too, could be significantly expanded; as it is it's woefully inadequate and seems arbitrary. For example, dolerite is included, but not dolomite. It is far from clear why. Bearing in mind this book is primarily for lay persons it's almost impossible to remember where you last saw the term, say, ophiolite, when you see it again in the text, so you can check its meaning. A more complete glossary would eradicate this problem.

This is a great book. With additions to make it easier to cross-reference terms and events it could be a 'classic' for lay people with an interest in geology

The Geology of Britain, 17 Mar 2003
I borrowed this book from the school library for months finding it an invaluable resource in my A2 level work. I now own my own copy of this excellant book which clearly details what Britain was like, its paleogeography and its rock strata in each of the geological time periods. My only fault is that a glossery would be great but otherwise this book is worthy of the full five stars.

A great well-produced introduction, 07 Jan 2003
I bought this book because I was wanted a light introduction to the geology of the UK – nothing too technical, preferably with illustrations to make the points, and hopefully with a sense of narrative to bring 2,000 million years of geological history to life.

This book delivered. I'm not a geologist, so I can't say whether Peter Toghill incorporated the latest evidence or did justice to the complexities of geological debate that I'm sure exist, but he certainly provided the level of answers that I was looking for.

This is a work that inspired me to read more. What better praise for a self-professed introductiory work!

Great book : very clear explanations and figures., 02 Aug 2001
When I was at school the little geology I learned was awfully boring: just the accumulation of layers and layers of stuff over millions of years. But this book has now turned me into a geology fanatic. It explains in historical sequence how the geological formations of Britain have come about. Even with little prior knowledge it is very easy to read (I thought), and I am particularly fond of all the many very well designed colour figures that are a terrific aid in understanding the variouses processes. Whole-heartedly recommended to anyone who's ever wondered why the rocks around the corner from his place look the way they look!

Great historical guide to regional geology, 06 Mar 2000
This book provides a fairly in-depth historical account of the processes and events which shaped the various lumps of rock we call Britain over geological time.

Each chapter deals with a particular period, and describes what was going on in each region. This means the emphasis is on describing the characteristics of each period rather than on the particular history of one region.

As a geology student (OU s260 this year, hello everyone), I've found this book really useful for getting a handle on the different periods - it does a good job of emphasising and contrasting each period's particular features. I feel I have some understanding of what differentiates the Devonian from the Silurian. I even know how long ago they were!

So why not five stars?

Firstly, the book makes little attempt to explain some of the terms it uses as it goes along. For a beginner, that can make it a bit of a slog at first. Having said that, you soon become used to the language and the second time you read it will be a lot more fun than the first.

Secondly, I'd have liked an additional chapter which gave a summary of the complete geological history of each of the regions. It would be nice to have been able to read in three or four paragraphs an overview of how Scotland happened. I think this would have been quite easy to do, and would have provided some useful broad context for the rest of the book.

Having said all this, the book is very useful, very informative, and packed full of exactly the sort of stuff you're interested in if you're reading a review of a book about Geology anyway!

deserves wider readership than Geology students, 05 Oct 2008
A wide range of readers with some scientific knowledge and anyone concerned about the effects of climate change should find interest and stimulation from this well written book.
The presently short span of life on earth of our species and the record of the changes we are responsible for are put into the geological context.
I bought this book as a geology student but found it very much more thought provoking than any text book.
Never before have I felt moved to give 5 stars to a book on Amazon but this is the one I would recommend.

Good for Beginners, 28 Feb 2008
This book is good if you are just starting out looking at gemstones and gemmology. However it does not give much more than a brief outline of each stone with a few nice pictures which leaves you wanting more! Good reference charts at the back of the book. Other than the charts, no real visual identifying tips of any real value imo ie. microphotos etc or tips on id synthetics etc. Still a nice book to have and does contribute something when compared with other books.

great book, 09 Oct 2006
this book is great for the beginner and those a little more expert

Informative and nicely illustrated, 20 Dec 2005
Like all DK books, this is beautifully illustrated and informative. It's the kind of book you'll probably find yourself dipping into now and again, rather than reading cover to cover in one go. User friendly and doesn't baffle with unnecessary science.

A Good Start, 29 Nov 2005
This handbook is essential reading for any new jewellers and provides the basics needed for product knowledge. Well laid out information, multiple illustrations. A definitely GOOD starting point.

Well it's a damn good book if you like like you'r gems., 28 May 2001
It tell's you what and where they come from around the world. It's a really good book if someone really like's there Gem stones. It show's you all the different shape's and sizes of the stone's. I'm a really big fan of Gem's, I have got Citrine, All kinds of Garnet stones, Diamonds,Tanzanite etc etc.... The list just goes on.

So take a look at it.

It's such a shame this magnificent book is so necessary., 08 Jan 2009
I won't write a detailed review of the content of this tremendous book, as other reviewers have covered it well.

Prothero sets out to bring together the vast amounts of evidence for the theory of evolution from the world of palaeontology accumulated over the last 20 or so years and add it to the already immense bank of supporting fact.

I refer to 'shame' in my title because Prothero feels forced into writing this book to counteract the wave of pseudo-scientific nonsense flooding the U.S. from the world of Creation Science (an oxymoron painfully lacking in irony), and it's modern brethren Intelligent Design. This wonderful tome should stand alone, not have to be the defender of science itself! What a wierd world we live in!

While not aimed at any individual publications, the creationist writer Duane Gish is a frequent offender who is torn to pieces by Prothero's knowledgeable and witty prose. This is due to Gish's nonsense having been comprehensively disproven by Prothero previously (both in print and debate), yet he dishonestly continues to propogate it. Surely Jesus wouldn't approve?

Gish's methodology of quoting out of context, misquoting, using outdated science and at times outright lies is clearly exposed by Prothero. Gish is shown to plumb such contemptable lows that he is even willing to suggest through a quote out of context that the great Stephen J Gould didn't accept the theory of evolution! But Gish is not alone, Ham, Popper and other misinformants also get batted away.

Prothero takes us through the many fallacies favoured by the creationists, easily highlighting the gaping flaws in such hypotheses (I use the word warily) as "flood geology". By taking the Grand Canyon, so favoured by the creationists, and using both palaeontology and sedimentology along with many photos and diagrams, Prothero underlines just how utterly ridiculous the 'single flood event' idea is, leaving any creation sympathiser crushed under the weight of scientific evidence.

He spends much time taking the reader through the "interwoven 'bushy'" evolutionary tree, showing the ridiculousness of the linear model much-touted by Gish et al (one of the many straw-man arguments their ilk favour). Many of the more interesting evolutionary steps, with particular focus on humans and dinosaur-birds are described in great detail. Any creationist who has had the temerity and, frankly, stupidity to suggest "there aren't any transitional fossils" would find themselves eternally dining on their own words upon completion of this book.

And so, having completely ripped apart the creationist propoganda in the world of palaeontology to anyone but the most blinkered fundamentalist, Prothero, ends with a worrying thought for U.S. citizens. Do they really want a future where science is prevented by right wing religio-fanatacism? Does America really want the brain-drain?

Despite this gloomy ending, the book maintains a great deal of humour throughout. His use of Gish' love of the half-quote to suggest Gish believes Answers in Genesis should end immediately is very sharp.

Prothero, a palaeontologist, is keen to highlight that this is what he is qualified to talk about. His observation that Gish's Phd is in law, yet Gish traverses the fields of cosmology, geology, biology, palaeontology and other branches of science shows just how dishonest the creationists are. His wry observation that they are far keener than any scientist to be seen in a white coat with 'Phd' next to their name cements the point.

Prothero is right when he says that Gish (and others) complete lack of understanding in anatomy and systematics, plus their refusal (or lack of interest in) observing actual samples prevents them from having any more authority on the issue of fossils than a layperson. But perhaps that's the point - creationists would support the authority of my nan if she kept up an 'anti-evolutionary' stance. [note: can you be 'anti-evolutionary'? I mean, can you be 'anti-relativity' or 'anti-gravity'? Sorry, I digressed...]

This then is a book of the highest calibre, a must for anyone amused (or scared) by the creationist nonsense bandwagon.

A word on his referencing. I graduated with a degree in geology 4 years ago considering "The evolution of vertebrates" by Benton as my bible, a source frequently referenced by Prothero. I cannot believe how much new information has been acquired (especially from China), and I only wish I had a book as good as Prothero's back then!

I've rambled on now for quite long enough, if you've read this, go buy the book!

Evolution? The fossils say YES!, 06 Dec 2008
Great review of some of the more recent discoveries in paleontology over the last couple of decades and how they enhance and support the understanding of the evolution of a variety animal groups including humans. Very well written for the layman with any number of supporting diagrams and some great fossils too. In addition to the paleontological finds, the author provides some background to various related concepts in evolution, geology and taxonomy. The author doesn't mince his words when it comes to addressing creationism and the reader is left in little doubt of the contempt for which he clearly holds those creationist champions such as Wells and Gish.

My only complaint, although I guess it more a sign of the times, is the sheer number of pages which are devoted to debunking creationism. I think there are about 20 pages devoted solely to writing off flood geology and I'd estimate that almost a quarter of the book is spent defending evolution and the fossil record from creationist fantasies, mis-quotes and pseudo-science. I'm not saying that this isn't worthwhile or that it isn't necessary, but, chances are, if you believe in that sort of thing you aren't going to be reading this book and personally, I would rather have seen these pages dedicated to more of these amazing fossils and the insights into our own origins that they provide.

The author of the forward summed it up best; "[evolution] It happened. Deal with it."

Overall, great book - go buy!

An evolutionist's counter-blast, 25 Oct 2008
I have read and re-read this book with great enjoyment. It is written by a master of the subject, and is both clear and authoritative. Paradoxically, it also saddened me - because it is such a very American book, from the fact that so much space has had to be devoted not to explaining evolution itself but to demolish the claims of the creationists and biblical literalists.

A brilliant and easy to read guide to the evidence for evolution, 02 Oct 2008
When I first bought this book I thought that it would only cover the fossil evidence. How wrong I was, it covers everything!

I've read quite a few books on evolution and in many ways this is the best yet. Coming from a non-scientific background I found it easy to read and understand. The good, clear writing is ably assisted by the many diagrams and pictures used to illustrate the evidence, and Prothero definitely succeeds in his aim of showing that the evidence for evolution is overwhelming.

In the course of the text Prothero takes us through all of the arguments used by those who oppose evolution, and he very clearly shows why they are wrong.

I cannot recommend this book enough, it has been both a pleasure to read and a great educational tool too.

Evolution - The Works, 18 Aug 2008
This book astounded me with quality from start to finish. Here we have a guy that really knows his field (paleontology), seems to understand many others and can communicate ideas superbly.

Prothero does talk hard evidence, of which he provides plenty of varied examples. He also understands when to stop elaborating and provides many good references for individual subjects; there is an absolute minimum of repetition in around 350 large pages.

The pages themselves are lavishly illustrated and I found the cartoon humour very amusing. I read this book over 9 days and found the individual topics were highly relevant to the main subject.

As for subject matter, this book is about evidence for biological evolution in the light of creationist denial of the same. Prothero was brought up amongst all of this. As somebody who can read the scriptures in greek, he cannot be accused of biblical ignorance, rather the other way around: I thought Prothero developed a compelling arguement that the creationists in charge of leading their movement are simply ignorant of real science (because they don't do any), preferring instead to quote carefully selected out of date sources, rather than put their claims to falsifiable tests. The rest follow these teachings with sincere trust.

This book would make a good companion to 'the making of the fittest' by Sean B Carroll for a genetic perspective, or 'the ancestors tale' by Richard Dawkins for the zoological works.

Beginner's Guide to Metal Detecting, 31 Jul 2007

There has been a big upsurge in the hobby, or some may call it an obsession with metal detecting. Finds of coin hoards, rings, pieces of harness from the Saxon and Viking periods are well publicized and this wets the appetite of many a prospective treasure trove seeker.

This book gives a good insight into what type of metal detectors are best and how to use them correctly. This is extremely important, because a good metal detector is totally useless if it is not used correctly. The book shows that research can be very important also and a `feel' of where to do your detecting. The best metal detector in the world will not find anything if there is nothing to find. I know that statement seems pretty obvious but it is fact. There are hot spots where there is a good chance of finding something old, but maybe not worth a fortune.

The book gives an excellent insight into most things you need to know to go metal detecting. If you are doing it to have some fun, you probably will. If you are doing it to home in on some treasure trove, you are more than likely going to be disappointed, and remember all land in England is owned by somebody, no matter how overgrown or derelict it looks. Make sure you have permission to be there.

A good book which could become a great one, 09 Sep 2004
The book is excellently presented, with plenty of diagrams and photographs to clarify points made in the text. It is well written but, considering it is produced with the lay person in mind it is easy to become lost in the blizzard of facts, figures and events which are presented on many pages.

The one-page diagram of the Geological time scale is great. The book would be so much easier to digest if other such information was displayed on one page (even as an appendix) for the movement of continents around the planet. Similarly for a table of the various events and the dates they occurred in Britain. Trying to keep track of it all from the text is bemusing.

The glossary, too, could be significantly expanded; as it is it's woefully inadequate and seems arbitrary. For example, dolerite is included, but not dolomite. It is far from clear why. Bearing in mind this book is primarily for lay persons it's almost impossible to remember where you last saw the term, say, ophiolite, when you see it again in the text, so you can check its meaning. A more complete glossary would eradicate this problem.

This is a great book. With additions to make it easier to cross-reference terms and events it could be a 'classic' for lay people with an interest in geology

The Geology of Britain, 17 Mar 2003
I borrowed this book from the school library for months finding it an invaluable resource in my A2 level work. I now own my own copy of this excellant book which clearly details what Britain was like, its paleogeography and its rock strata in each of the geological time periods. My only fault is that a glossery would be great but otherwise this book is worthy of the full five stars.

A great well-produced introduction, 07 Jan 2003
I bought this book because I was wanted a light introduction to the geology of the UK – nothing too technical, preferably with illustrations to make the points, and hopefully with a sense of narrative to bring 2,000 million years of geological history to life.

This book delivered. I'm not a geologist, so I can't say whether Peter Toghill incorporated the latest evidence or did justice to the complexities of geological debate that I'm sure exist, but he certainly provided the level of answers that I was looking for.

This is a work that inspired me to read more. What better praise for a self-professed introductiory work!

Great book : very clear explanations and figures., 02 Aug 2001
When I was at school the little geology I learned was awfully boring: just the accumulation of layers and layers of stuff over millions of years. But this book has now turned me into a geology fanatic. It explains in historical sequence how the geological formations of Britain have come about. Even with little prior knowledge it is very easy to read (I thought), and I am particularly fond of all the many very well designed colour figures that are a terrific aid in understanding the variouses processes. Whole-heartedly recommended to anyone who's ever wondered why the rocks around the corner from his place look the way they look!

Great historical guide to regional geology, 06 Mar 2000
This book provides a fairly in-depth historical account of the processes and events which shaped the various lumps of rock we call Britain over geological time.

Each chapter deals with a particular period, and describes what was going on in each region. This means the emphasis is on describing the characteristics of each period rather than on the particular history of one region.

As a geology student (OU s260 this year, hello everyone), I've found this book really useful for getting a handle on the different periods - it does a good job of emphasising and contrasting each period's particular features. I feel I have some understanding of what differentiates the Devonian from the Silurian. I even know how long ago they were!

So why not five stars?

Firstly, the book makes little attempt to explain some of the terms it uses as it goes along. For a beginner, that can make it a bit of a slog at first. Having said that, you soon become used to the language and the second time you read it will be a lot more fun than the first.

Secondly, I'd have liked an additional chapter which gave a summary of the complete geological history of each of the regions. It would be nice to have been able to read in three or four paragraphs an overview of how Scotland happened. I think this would have been quite easy to do, and would have provided some useful broad context for the rest of the book.

Having said all this, the book is very useful, very informative, and packed full of exactly the sort of stuff you're interested in if you're reading a review of a book about Geology anyway!

deserves wider readership than Geology students, 05 Oct 2008
A wide range of readers with some scientific knowledge and anyone concerned about the effects of climate change should find interest and stimulation from this well written book.
The presently short span of life on earth of our species and the record of the changes we are responsible for are put into the geological context.
I bought this book as a geology student but found it very much more thought provoking than any text book.
Never before have I felt moved to give 5 stars to a book on Amazon but this is the one I would recommend.

Good for Beginners, 28 Feb 2008
This book is good if you are just starting out looking at gemstones and gemmology. However it does not give much more than a brief outline of each stone with a few nice pictures which leaves you wanting more! Good reference charts at the back of the book. Other than the charts, no real visual identifying tips of any real value imo ie. microphotos etc or tips on id synthetics etc. Still a nice book to have and does contribute something when compared with other books.

great book, 09 Oct 2006
this book is great for the beginner and those a little more expert

Informative and nicely illustrated, 20 Dec 2005
Like all DK books, this is beautifully illustrated and informative. It's the kind of book you'll probably find yourself dipping into now and again, rather than reading cover to cover in one go. User friendly and doesn't baffle with unnecessary science.

A Good Start, 29 Nov 2005
This handbook is essential reading for any new jewellers and provides the basics needed for product knowledge. Well laid out information, multiple illustrations. A definitely GOOD starting point.

Well it's a damn good book if you like like you'r gems., 28 May 2001
It tell's you what and where they come from around the world. It's a really good book if someone really like's there Gem stones. It show's you all the different shape's and sizes of the stone's. I'm a really big fan of Gem's, I have got Citrine, All kinds of Garnet stones, Diamonds,Tanzanite etc etc.... The list just goes on.

So take a look at it.

It's such a shame this magnificent book is so necessary., 08 Jan 2009
I won't write a detailed review of the content of this tremendous book, as other reviewers have covered it well.

Prothero sets out to bring together the vast amounts of evidence for the theory of evolution from the world of palaeontology accumulated over the last 20 or so years and add it to the already immense bank of supporting fact.

I refer to 'shame' in my title because Prothero feels forced into writing this book to counteract the wave of pseudo-scientific nonsense flooding the U.S. from the world of Creation Science (an oxymoron painfully lacking in irony), and it's modern brethren Intelligent Design. This wonderful tome should stand alone, not have to be the defender of science itself! What a wierd world we live in!

While not aimed at any individual publications, the creationist writer Duane Gish is a frequent offender who is torn to pieces by Prothero's knowledgeable and witty prose. This is due to Gish's nonsense having been comprehensively disproven by Prothero previously (both in print and debate), yet he dishonestly continues to propogate it. Surely Jesus wouldn't approve?

Gish's methodology of quoting out of context, misquoting, using outdated science and at times outright lies is clearly exposed by Prothero. Gish is shown to plumb such contemptable lows that he is even willing to suggest through a quote out of context that the great Stephen J Gould didn't accept the theory of evolution! But Gish is not alone, Ham, Popper and other misinformants also get batted away.

Prothero takes us through the many fallacies favoured by the creationists, easily highlighting the gaping flaws in such hypotheses (I use the word warily) as "flood geology". By taking the Grand Canyon, so favoured by the creationists, and using both palaeontology and sedimentology along with many photos and diagrams, Prothero underlines just how utterly ridiculous the 'single flood event' idea is, leaving any creation sympathiser crushed under the weight of scientific evidence.

He spends much time taking the reader through the "interwoven 'bushy'" evolutionary tree, showing the ridiculousness of the linear model much-touted by Gish et al (one of the many straw-man arguments their ilk favour). Many of the more interesting evolutionary steps, with particular focus on humans and dinosaur-birds are described in great detail. Any creationist who has had the temerity and, frankly, stupidity to suggest "there aren't any transitional fossils" would find themselves eternally dining on their own words upon completion of this book.

And so, having completely ripped apart the creationist propoganda in the world of palaeontology to anyone but the most blinkered fundamentalist, Prothero, ends with a worrying thought for U.S. citizens. Do they really want a future where science is prevented by right wing religio-fanatacism? Does America really want the brain-drain?

Despite this gloomy ending, the book maintains a great deal of humour throughout. His use of Gish' love of the half-quote to suggest Gish believes Answers in Genesis should end immediately is very sharp.

Prothero, a palaeontologist, is keen to highlight that this is what he is qualified to talk about. His observation that Gish's Phd is in law, yet Gish traverses the fields of cosmology, geology, biology, palaeontology and other branches of science shows just how dishonest the creationists are. His wry observation that they are far keener than any scientist to be seen in a white coat with 'Phd' next to their name cements the point.

Prothero is right when he says that Gish (and others) complete lack of understanding in anatomy and systematics, plus their refusal (or lack of interest in) observing actual samples prevents them from having any more authority on the issue of fossils than a layperson. But perhaps that's the point - creationists would support the authority of my nan if she kept up an 'anti-evolutionary' stance. [note: can you be 'anti-evolutionary'? I mean, can you be 'anti-relativity' or 'anti-gravity'? Sorry, I digressed...]

This then is a book of the highest calibre, a must for anyone amused (or scared) by the creationist nonsense bandwagon.

A word on his referencing. I graduated with a degree in geology 4 years ago considering "The evolution of vertebrates" by Benton as my bible, a source frequently referenced by Prothero. I cannot believe how much new information has been acquired (especially from China), and I only wish I had a book as good as Prothero's back then!

I've rambled on now for quite long enough, if you've read this, go buy the book!

Evolution? The fossils say YES!, 06 Dec 2008
Great review of some of the more recent discoveries in paleontology over the last couple of decades and how they enhance and support the understanding of the evolution of a variety animal groups including humans. Very well written for the layman with any number of supporting diagrams and some great fossils too. In addition to the paleontological finds, the author provides some background to various related concepts in evolution, geology and taxonomy. The author doesn't mince his words when it comes to addressing creationism and the reader is left in little doubt of the contempt for which he clearly holds those creationist champions such as Wells and Gish.

My only complaint, although I guess it more a sign of the times, is the sheer number of pages which are devoted to debunking creationism. I think there are about 20 pages devoted solely to writing off flood geology and I'd estimate that almost a quarter of the book is spent defending evolution and the fossil record from creationist fantasies, mis-quotes and pseudo-science. I'm not saying that this isn't worthwhile or that it isn't necessary, but, chances are, if you believe in that sort of thing you aren't going to be reading this book and personally, I would rather have seen these pages dedicated to more of these amazing fossils and the insights into our own origins that they provide.

The author of the forward summed it up best; "[evolution] It happened. Deal with it."

Overall, great book - go buy!

An evolutionist's counter-blast, 25 Oct 2008
I have read and re-read this book with great enjoyment. It is written by a master of the subject, and is both clear and authoritative. Paradoxically, it also saddened me - because it is such a very American book, from the fact that so much space has had to be devoted not to explaining evolution itself but to demolish the claims of the creationists and biblical literalists.

A brilliant and easy to read guide to the evidence for evolution, 02 Oct 2008
When I first bought this book I thought that it would only cover the fossil evidence. How wrong I was, it covers everything!

I've read quite a few books on evolution and in many ways this is the best yet. Coming from a non-scientific background I found it easy to read and understand. The good, clear writing is ably assisted by the many diagrams and pictures used to illustrate the evidence, and Prothero definitely succeeds in his aim of showing that the evidence for evolution is overwhelming.

In the course of the text Prothero takes us through all of the arguments used by those who oppose evolution, and he very clearly shows why they are wrong.

I cannot recommend this book enough, it has been both a pleasure to read and a great educational tool too.

Evolution - The Works, 18 Aug 2008
This book astounded me with quality from start to finish. Here we have a guy that really knows his field (paleontology), seems to understand many others and can communicate ideas superbly.

Prothero does talk hard evidence, of which he provides plenty of varied examples. He also understands when to stop elaborating and provides many good references for individual subjects; there is an absolute minimum of repetition in around 350 large pages.

The pages themselves are lavishly illustrated and I found the cartoon humour very amusing. I read this book over 9 days and found the individual topics were highly relevant to the main subject.

As for subject matter, this book is about evidence for biological evolution in the light of creationist denial of the same. Prothero was brought up amongst all of this. As somebody who can read the scriptures in greek, he cannot be accused of biblical ignorance, rather the other way around: I thought Prothero developed a compelling arguement that the creationists in charge of leading their movement are simply ignorant of real science (because they don't do any), preferring instead to quote carefully selected out of date sources, rather than put their claims to falsifiable tests. The rest follow these teachings with sincere trust.

This book would make a good companion to 'the making of the fittest' by Sean B Carroll for a genetic perspective, or 'the ancestors tale' by Richard Dawkins for the zoological works.

Did the Earth Move? Yes it did (and it still is...), 30 Dec 2008
Firstly, apologies for the punning title for this review! Moving on..."Supercontinent: Ten Billion Years in the Life of our Planet", the ambitiously-titled book written by eminent science writer Ted Nield, is a brave attempt to cover the history of what he refers to as "The grandest of all patterns in nature".

The book is written in that conversational style so familiar to readers of Richard Dawkins - "Popular Science" or "Pop-Sci", if you will. The whole book is chock full of the sort of crackling enthusiasm and knowing wit, science writers like Mr. Nield are so good at communicating (it comes as no surprise that he is the chair of the Association of British Science Writers). Suffice to say, it was a pleasure to read.

However, as has been probably indicated by the above score, there are a number of issues I found with the book that prevent it from being THE essential book on the subject:

Tone: people who buy Pop-Sci books generally buy them for two reasons - either they are casual readers with little or no exposure to the subject and are looking for a general introduction, or they are amateur enthusiasts, looking to sate their appetite for the subject but are not quite ready for the academic-grade tomes.

As highly readable and enjoyable "Supercontinent" is, it just doesn't quite hit the right, consistent tone to completely satisfy either potential readership. On the one hand, its not quite basic enough to be an introductory text for absolute beginners: it does implicitly assume some knowledge of fundamental geological concepts (plate tectonics, the layers of the earth, the process of vulcanism, deposition and metamorphism), which could potentially leave the novice a bit at sea. At the same time, it doesn't quite have the detail, depth and focus an informed enthusiast might be looking for.

Pacing: The first chapter reads like an extended advert for the BBC series "The Future is Wild!". The middle sections are effectively a history of the concept of the Supercontinent (in the style of the seminal Pop-Sci book Chaos) and its surprisingly contentious place in the modern canon of science. I have to admit, this is the section I found least interesting. Not to say that it wasn't worthwhile including, I just wish it had been a little de-emphasised.

Perhaps a little tighter editorial control could have reined in some of the more overly-digressive passages, leaving more room for discussion of the different continental configurations. For instance, the section devoted to the origins of Lewis Carol's "Alice In Wonderland", with the rather flimsy pretext of introducing the main discussion of Pangaea, is frankly overly long and almost crosses the line into total irrelevancy.

The book is mainly saved by the last two chapters (excluding the epilogue), which cover the 'original' supercontinent Rodinia (the so-called 'cradle of life'), the "Snowball Earth" hypothesis and Rodinia's successor, Pannotia. They both go into some detail regarding how geophysicists identify the previous configurations of the continents (and the inherent difficulties in mapping it accurately) without completely bamboozling the reader with the chemistry.

Length: At just over 270 pages long, and given the huge scope of the subject, its a bit on the short side, particularly given the cost of the Hardback edition.

Diagrams: it might seem like a small point, but couldn't there have been a few more illustrations throughout? Ted does refer the reader to Chris Scotese's website, where you can find a number of excellent paleo-geographic maps of earth through the ages, however couldn't these or similar examples have been included too; given that some actual inclusions appear a little arbitrary (for instance, do we REALLY need to see the periodic Table of Elements and why on earth was it deemed important to include a photograph of Madame Blavatsky?).

Despite these slight misgivings - which are nothing a good 2nd edition revision couldn't solve - a major problem the whole genre has to deal with is perhaps the advent of Wikipedia and its ilk. It has become so easy to get almost instantaneous access to detailed information on any given subject, its difficult for a book to cover the same subjects as comprehensively. At the same time, we are looking to good science writers such as Mr. Nield to use his authority, experience and knowledge to compile and condense a subject down to the key concepts for ease of digestion by the reader. In general, he succeeds, but I feel that I am still looking for that next 'definitive' book on the subject.

One last word about the epilogue. Post-God Delusion, it seems as if every (secular) science writer feels its their duty to include an attack on religious irrationality. Its as if Ted Nield, so grateful to have opportunity to publish a mainstream book and worried that he might not get the chance again, wanted to shoehorn in a dig in the ribs of the fundamentalists, under the pretext of rebutting the denials of paleogeography by Young Earth Creationist and their loony cohort. Would this sort of thing have been included in this type of book 10-15 years ago? I suspect not.

The Grandest Quadrille, 31 Mar 2008
"Did the Earth move for you?", asks the voice beside you. Well, yes. Because that's what it does. All the time. The continent you live on used to be someplace else, and far away from where it is now. Your home ground has even been part of a greater landmass known as a "supercontinent" - and will be again. Hence, the title of this book. Ted Nield provides us with a fine account of how we came to learn about these movements. He has brought together the years of research tracking where the rocks have been and where they are likely to go. He likens the movement of continents to a dance of landforms - a "Grand Quadrille". A fine synopsis of the history of geology and its compelling figures - scholars who had to project what was known in their time back into a distant past.

Earth has been a busy place for the past four billion years, and it hasn't stopped to rest. We speak of the "firmness of the Earth", but that phrase is a sham. The key figure in this story is the great supercontinent of Pangaea that began breaking up 250 million years ago. Assembled from previous continents that had once joined and also separated, Pangaea's breakup into places we live on today have been traced in exquisite detail. The matching of rocks in places separated by wide seas provided the clues. In fact, as Nield relates, it was the vast Atlantic that bears the responsibility for Pangaea's fracturing to form the basis for the continents we know today. The author explains how the continents have been engaging in a Grand Quadrille and will continue to do so - for another five billion years, at least.

The progenitor of the idea of "drifting continents" was Alfred Wegener. Using maps to show how western Eurasia and Africa matched the east coasts of the Western Hemisphere, Wegener proposed they had once been joined, but had pulled apart. He couldn't provide a mechanism for the movement, and his idea was rejected - most notably by the geologic "establishment" of the United States. Rejection of the proposal was so strong there that one British geologist described it as "regarding the Declaration of Independence as retroactive to the Palaeozoic". Continents formed separately and remained so through time, it was thought.

However, one US dissident, Reginald Daly of Harvard, had been in South Africa, encountering the work of Alexander du Toit, who noted similarities in rocks of the Great Karoo and South America. That discovery, enhanced by some detailed measurements in Greenland, suggested that movement was occurring. It took a war and the hunt for submarines to reveal what prompted continental movement. An Irish geophysicist, John Joly had already postulated the mechanism, heat from radioactive elements deep in the Earth required escape. That venting pushed the softer areas in the Earth's crust around. Sitting atop that stirring material, the continents track the flow patterns of the heat.

In moving, the continents encounter each other, joining, fusing and establishing mighty landmasses that break up again. Nield skilfully describes the mechanisms and the people who have read the rocks to understand how they work. Beyond Pangaea, for example, the author cites the work of Mark McMenamin, who proposes a yet older supercontinent, Rodinia. Rodinia's importance in the history of the Earth is that it was probably the extant landform around which complex life, after over 3 billion years, finally emerged. Nield's skill in presenting all these complex ideas and their significance never wanes throughout the book. He's achieved a fine summary of the history of modern geology, supported by a collection of portraits and some line drawings. The emphasis on Pangaea is slightly overdone, but his pointer to Chris Scotese's web page of geologic ages more than overcomes that small limitation. An excellent overview. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

Beginner's Guide to Metal Detecting, 31 Jul 2007

There has been a big upsurge in the hobby, or some may call it an obsession with metal detecting. Finds of coin hoards, rings, pieces of harness from the Saxon and Viking periods are well publicized and this wets the appetite of many a prospective treasure trove seeker.

This book gives a good insight into what type of metal detectors are best and how to use them correctly. This is extremely important, because a good metal detector is totally useless if it is not used correctly. The book shows that research can be very important also and a `feel' of where to do your detecting. The best metal detector in the world will not find anything if there is nothing to find. I know that statement seems pretty obvious but it is fact. There are hot spots where there is a good chance of finding something old, but maybe not worth a fortune.

The book gives an excellent insight into most things you need to know to go metal detecting. If you are doing it to have some fun, you probably will. If you are doing it to home in on some treasure trove, you are more than likely going to be disappointed, and remember all land in England is owned by somebody, no matter how overgrown or derelict it looks. Make sure you have permission to be there.

A good book which could become a great one, 09 Sep 2004
The book is excellently presented, with plenty of diagrams and photographs to clarify points made in the text. It is well written but, considering it is produced with the lay person in mind it is easy to become lost in the blizzard of facts, figures and events which are presented on many pages.

The one-page diagram of the Geological time scale is great. The book would be so much easier to digest if other such information was displayed on one page (even as an appendix) for the movement of continents around the planet. Similarly for a table of the various events and the dates they occurred in Britain. Trying to keep track of it all from the text is bemusing.

The glossary, too, could be significantly expanded; as it is it's woefully inadequate and seems arbitrary. For example, dolerite is included, but not dolomite. It is far from clear why. Bearing in mind this book is primarily for lay persons it's almost impossible to remember where you last saw the term, say, ophiolite, when you see it again in the text, so you can check its meaning. A more complete glossary would eradicate this problem.

This is a great book. With additions to make it easier to cross-reference terms and events it could be a 'classic' for lay people with an interest in geology

The Geology of Britain, 17 Mar 2003
I borrowed this book from the school library for months finding it an invaluable resource in my A2 level work. I now own my own copy of this excellant book which clearly details what Britain was like, its paleogeography and its rock strata in each of the geological time periods. My only fault is that a glossery would be great but otherwise this book is worthy of the full five stars.

A great well-produced introduction, 07 Jan 2003
I bought this book because I was wanted a light introduction to the geology of the UK – nothing too technical, preferably with illustrations to make the points, and hopefully with a sense of narrative to bring 2,000 million years of geological history to life.

This book delivered. I'm not a geologist, so I can't say whether Peter Toghill incorporated the latest evidence or did justice to the complexities of geological debate that I'm sure exist, but he certainly provided the level of answers that I was looking for.

This is a work that inspired me to read more. What better praise for a self-professed introductiory work!

Great book : very clear explanations and figures., 02 Aug 2001
When I was at school the little geology I learned was awfully boring: just the accumulation of layers and layers of stuff over millions of years. But this book has now turned me into a geology fanatic. It explains in historical sequence how the geological formations of Britain have come about. Even with little prior knowledge it is very easy to read (I thought), and I am particularly fond of all the many very well designed colour figures that are a terrific aid in understanding the variouses processes. Whole-heartedly recommended to anyone who's ever wondered why the rocks around the corner from his place look the way they look!

Great historical guide to regional geology, 06 Mar 2000
This book provides a fairly in-depth historical account of the processes and events which shaped the various lumps of rock we call Britain over geological time.

Each chapter deals with a particular period, and describes what was going on in each region. This means the emphasis is on describing the characteristics of each period rather than on the particular history of one region.

As a geology student (OU s260 this year, hello everyone), I've found this book really useful for getting a handle on the different periods - it does a good job of emphasising and contrasting each period's particular features. I feel I have some understanding of what differentiates the Devonian from the Silurian. I even know how long ago they were!

So why not five stars?

Firstly, the book makes little attempt to explain some of the terms it uses as it goes along. For a beginner, that can make it a bit of a slog at first. Having said that, you soon become used to the language and the second time you read it will be a lot more fun than the first.

Secondly, I'd have liked an additional chapter which gave a summary of the complete geological history of each of the regions. It would be nice to have been able to read in three or four paragraphs an overview of how Scotland happened. I think this would have been quite easy to do, and would have provided some useful broad context for the rest of the book.

Having said all this, the book is very useful, very informative, and packed full of exactly the sort of stuff you're interested in if you're reading a review of a book about Geology anyway!

deserves wider readership than Geology students, 05 Oct 2008
A wide range of readers with some scientific knowledge and anyone concerned about the effects of climate change should find interest and stimulation from this well written book.
The presently short span of life on earth of our species and the record of the changes we are responsible for are put into the geological context.
I bought this book as a geology student but found it very much more thought provoking than any text book.
Never before have I felt moved to give 5 stars to a book on Amazon but this is the one I would recommend.

Good for Beginners, 28 Feb 2008
This book is good if you are just starting out looking at gemstones and gemmology. However it does not give much more than a brief outline of each stone with a few nice pictures which leaves you wanting more! Good reference charts at the back of the book. Other than the charts, no real visual identifying tips of any real value imo ie. microphotos etc or tips on id synthetics etc. Still a nice book to have and does contribute something when compared with other books.

great book, 09 Oct 2006
this book is great for the beginner and those a little more expert

Informative and nicely illustrated, 20 Dec 2005
Like all DK books, this is beautifully illustrated and informative. It's the kind of book you'll probably find yourself dipping into now and again, rather than reading cover to cover in one go. User friendly and doesn't baffle with unnecessary science.

A Good Start, 29 Nov 2005
This handbook is essential reading for any new jewellers and provides the basics needed for product knowledge. Well laid out information, multiple illustrations. A definitely GOOD starting point.

Well it's a damn good book if you like like you'r gems., 28 May 2001
It tell's you what and where they come from around the world. It's a really good book if someone really like's there Gem stones. It show's you all the different shape's and sizes of the stone's. I'm a really big fan of Gem's, I have got Citrine, All kinds of Garnet stones, Diamonds,Tanzanite etc etc.... The list just goes on.

So take a look at it.

It's such a shame this magnificent book is so necessary., 08 Jan 2009
I won't write a detailed review of the content of this tremendous book, as other reviewers have covered it well.

Prothero sets out to bring together the vast amounts of evidence for the theory of evolution from the world of palaeontology accumulated over the last 20 or so years and add it to the already immense bank of supporting fact.

I refer to 'shame' in my title because Prothero feels forced into writing this book to counteract the wave of pseudo-scientific nonsense flooding the U.S. from the world of Creation Science (an oxymoron painfully lacking in irony), and it's modern brethren Intelligent Design. This wonderful tome should stand alone, not have to be the defender of science itself! What a wierd world we live in!

While not aimed at any individual publications, the creationist writer Duane Gish is a frequent offender who is torn to pieces by Prothero's knowledgeable and witty prose. This is due to Gish's nonsense having been comprehensively disproven by Prothero previously (both in print and debate), yet he dishonestly continues to propogate it. Surely Jesus wouldn't approve?

Gish's methodology of quoting out of context, misquoting, using outdated science and at times outright lies is clearly exposed by Prothero. Gish is shown to plumb such contemptable lows that he is even willing to suggest through a quote out of context that the great Stephen J Gould didn't accept the theory of evolution! But Gish is not alone, Ham, Popper and other misinformants also get batted away.

Prothero takes us through the many fallacies favoured by the creationists, easily highlighting the gaping flaws in such hypotheses (I use the word warily) as "flood geology". By taking the Grand Canyon, so favoured by the creationists, and using both palaeontology and sedimentology along with many photos and diagrams, Prothero underlines just how utterly ridiculous the 'single flood event' idea is, leaving any creation sympathiser crushed under the weight of scientific evidence.

He spends much time taking the reader through the "interwoven 'bushy'" evolutionary tree, showing the ridiculousness of the linear model much-touted by Gish et al (one of the many straw-man arguments their ilk favour). Many of the more interesting evolutionary steps, with particular focus on humans and dinosaur-birds are described in great detail. Any creationist who has had the temerity and, frankly, stupidity to suggest "there aren't any transitional fossils" would find themselves eternally dining on their own words upon completion of this book.

And so, having completely ripped apart the creationist propoganda in the world of palaeontology to anyone but the most blinkered fundamentalist, Prothero, ends with a worrying thought for U.S. citizens. Do they really want a future where science is prevented by right wing religio-fanatacism? Does America really want the brain-drain?

Despite this gloomy ending, the book maintains a great deal of humour throughout. His use of Gish' love of the half-quote to suggest Gish believes Answers in Genesis should end immediately is very sharp.

Prothero, a palaeontologist, is keen to highlight that this is what he is qualified to talk about. His observation that Gish's Phd is in law, yet Gish traverses the fields of cosmology, geology, biology, palaeontology and other branches of science shows just how dishonest the creationists are. His wry observation that they are far keener than any scientist to be seen in a white coat with 'Phd' next to their name cements the point.

Prothero is right when he says that Gish (and others) complete lack of understanding in anatomy and systematics, plus their refusal (or lack of interest in) observing actual samples prevents them from having any more authority on the issue of fossils than a layperson. But perhaps that's the point - creationists would support the authority of my nan if she kept up an 'anti-evolutionary' stance. [note: can you be 'anti-evolutionary'? I mean, can you be 'anti-relativity' or 'anti-gravity'? Sorry, I digressed...]

This then is a book of the highest calibre, a must for anyone amused (or scared) by the creationist nonsense bandwagon.

A word on his referencing. I graduated with a degree in geology 4 years ago considering "The evolution of vertebrates" by Benton as my bible, a source frequently referenced by Prothero. I cannot believe how much new information has been acquired (especially from China), and I only wish I had a book as good as Prothero's back then!

I've rambled on now for quite long enough, if you've read this, go buy the book!

Evolution? The fossils say YES!, 06 Dec 2008
Great review of some of the more recent discoveries in paleontology over the last couple of decades and how they enhance and support the understanding of the evolution of a variety animal groups including humans. Very well written for the layman with any number of supporting diagrams and some great fossils too. In addition to the paleontological finds, the author provides some background to various related concepts in evolution, geology and taxonomy. The author doesn't mince his words when it comes to addressing creationism and the reader is left in little doubt of the contempt for which he clearly holds those creationist champions such as Wells and Gish.

My only complaint, although I guess it more a sign of the times, is the sheer number of pages which are devoted to debunking creationism. I think there are about 20 pages devoted solely to writing off flood geology and I'd estimate that almost a quarter of the book is spent defending evolution and the fossil record from creationist fantasies, mis-quotes and pseudo-science. I'm not saying that this isn't worthwhile or that it isn't necessary, but, chances are, if you believe in that sort of thing you aren't going to be reading this book and personally, I would rather have seen these pages dedicated to more of these amazing fossils and the insights into our own origins that they provide.

The author of the forward summed it up best; "[evolution] It happened. Deal with it."

Overall, great book - go buy!

An evolutionist's counter-blast, 25 Oct 2008
I have read and re-read this book with great enjoyment. It is written by a master of the subject, and is both clear and authoritative. Paradoxically, it also saddened me - because it is such a very American book, from the fact that so much space has had to be devoted not to explaining evolution itself but to demolish the claims of the creationists and biblical literalists.

A brilliant and easy to read guide to the evidence for evolution, 02 Oct 2008
When I first bought this book I thought that it would only cover the fossil evidence. How wrong I was, it covers everything!

I've read quite a few books on evolution and in many ways this is the best yet. Coming from a non-scientific background I found it easy to read and understand. The good, clear writing is ably assisted by the many diagrams and pictures used to illustrate the evidence, and Prothero definitely succeeds in his aim of showing that the evidence for evolution is overwhelming.

In the course of the text Prothero takes us through all of the arguments used by those who oppose evolution, and he very clearly shows why they are wrong.

I cannot recommend this book enough, it has been both a pleasure to read and a great educational tool too.

Evolution - The Works, 18 Aug 2008
This book astounded me with quality from start to finish. Here we have a guy that really knows his field (paleontology), seems to understand many others and can communicate ideas superbly.

Prothero does talk hard evidence, of which he provides plenty of varied examples. He also understands when to stop elaborating and provides many good references for individual subjects; there is an absolute minimum of repetition in around 350 large pages.

The pages themselves are lavishly illustrated and I found the cartoon humour very amusing. I read this book over 9 days and found the individual topics were highly relevant to the main subject.

As for subject matter, this book is about evidence for biological evolution in the light of creationist denial of the same. Prothero was brought up amongst all of this. As somebody who can read the scriptures in greek, he cannot be accused of biblical ignorance, rather the other way around: I thought Prothero developed a compelling arguement that the creationists in charge of leading their movement are simply ignorant of real science (because they don't do any), preferring instead to quote carefully selected out of date sources, rather than put their claims to falsifiable tests. The rest follow these teachings with sincere trust.

This book would make a good companion to 'the making of the fittest' by Sean B Carroll for a genetic perspective, or 'the ancestors tale' by Richard Dawkins for the zoological works.

Did the Earth Move? Yes it did (and it still is...), 30 Dec 2008
Firstly, apologies for the punning title for this review! Moving on..."Supercontinent: Ten Billion Years in the Life of our Planet", the ambitiously-titled book written by eminent science writer Ted Nield, is a brave attempt to cover the history of what he refers to as "The grandest of all patterns in nature".

The book is written in that conversational style so familiar to readers of Richard Dawkins - "Popular Science" or "Pop-Sci", if you will. The whole book is chock full of the sort of crackling enthusiasm and knowing wit, science writers like Mr. Nield are so good at communicating (it comes as no surprise that he is the chair of the Association of British Science Writers). Suffice to say, it was a pleasure to read.

However, as has been probably indicated by the above score, there are a number of issues I found with the book that prevent it from being THE essential book on the subject:

Tone: people who buy Pop-Sci books generally buy them for two reasons - either they are casual readers with little or no exposure to the subject and are looking for a general introduction, or they are amateur enthusiasts, looking to sate their appetite for the subject but are not quite ready for the academic-grade tomes.

As highly readable and enjoyable "Supercontinent" is, it just doesn't quite hit the right, consistent tone to completely satisfy either potential readership. On the one hand, its not quite basic enough to be an introductory text for absolute beginners: it does implicitly assume some knowledge of fundamental geological concepts (plate tectonics, the layers of the earth, the process of vulcanism, deposition and metamorphism), which could potentially leave the novice a bit at sea. At the same time, it doesn't quite have the detail, depth and focus an informed enthusiast might be looking for.

Pacing: The first chapter reads like an extended advert for the BBC series "The Future is Wild!". The middle sections are effectively a history of the concept of the Supercontinent (in the style of the seminal Pop-Sci book Chaos) and its surprisingly contentious place in the modern canon of science. I have to admit, this is the section I found least interesting. Not to say that it wasn't worthwhile including, I just wish it had been a little de-emphasised.

Perhaps a little tighter editorial control could have reined in some of the more overly-digressive passages, leaving more room for discussion of the different continental configurations. For instance, the section devoted to the origins of Lewis Carol's "Alice In Wonderland", with the rather flimsy pretext of introducing the main discussion of Pangaea, is frankly overly long and almost crosses the line into total irrelevancy.

The book is mainly saved by the last two chapters (excluding the epilogue), which cover the 'original' supercontinent Rodinia (the so-called 'cradle of life'), the "Snowball Earth" hypothesis and Rodinia's successor, Pannotia. They both go into some detail regarding how geophysicists identify the previous configurations of the continents (and the inherent difficulties in mapping it accurately) without completely bamboozling the reader with the chemistry.

Length: At just over 270 pages long, and given the huge scope of the subject, its a bit on the short side, particularly given the cost of the Hardback edition.

Diagrams: it might seem like a small point, but couldn't there have been a few more illustrations throughout? Ted does refer the reader to Chris Scotese's website, where you can find a number of excellent paleo-geographic maps of earth through the ages, however couldn't these or similar examples have been included too; given that some actual inclusions appear a little arbitrary (for instance, do we REALLY need to see the periodic Table of Elements and why on earth was it deemed important to include a photograph of Madame Blavatsky?).

Despite these slight misgivings - which are nothing a good 2nd edition revision couldn't solve - a major problem the whole genre has to deal with is perhaps the advent of Wikipedia and its ilk. It has become so easy to get almost instantaneous access to detailed information on any given subject, its difficult for a book to cover the same subjects as comprehensively. At the same time, we are looking to good science writers such as Mr. Nield to use his authority, experience and knowledge to compile and condense a subject down to the key concepts for ease of digestion by the reader. In general, he succeeds, but I feel that I am still looking for that next 'definitive' book on the subject.

One last word about the epilogue. Post-God Delusion, it seems as if every (secular) science writer feels its their duty to include an attack on religious irrationality. Its as if Ted Nield, so grateful to have opportunity to publish a mainstream book and worried that he might not get the chance again, wanted to shoehorn in a dig in the ribs of the fundamentalists, under the pretext of rebutting the denials of paleogeography by Young Earth Creationist and their loony cohort. Would this sort of thing have been included in this type of book 10-15 years ago? I suspect not.

The Grandest Quadrille, 31 Mar 2008
"Did the Earth move for you?", asks the voice beside you. Well, yes. Because that's what it does. All the time. The continent you live on used to be someplace else, and far away from where it is now. Your home ground has even been part of a greater landmass known as a "supercontinent" - and will be again. Hence, the title of this book. Ted Nield provides us with a fine account of how we came to learn about these movements. He has brought together the years of research tracking where the rocks have been and where they are likely to go. He likens the movement of continents to a dance of landforms - a "Grand Quadrille". A fine synopsis of the history of geology and its compelling figures - scholars who had to project what was known in their time back into a distant past.

Earth has been a busy place for the past four billion years, and it hasn't stopped to rest. We speak of the "firmness of the Earth", but that phrase is a sham. The key figure in this story is the great supercontinent of Pangaea that began breaking up 250 million years ago. Assembled from previous continents that had once joined and also separated, Pangaea's breakup into places we live on today have been traced in exquisite detail. The matching of rocks in places separated by wide seas provided the clues. In fact, as Nield relates, it was the vast Atlantic that bears the responsibility for Pangaea's fracturing to form the basis for the continents we know today. The author explains how the continents have been engaging in a Grand Quadrille and will continue to do so - for another five billion years, at least.

The progenitor of the idea of "drifting continents" was Alfred Wegener. Using maps to show how western Eurasia and Africa matched the east coasts of the Western Hemisphere, Wegener proposed they had once been joined, but had pulled apart. He couldn't provide a mechanism for the movement, and his idea was rejected - most notably by the geologic "establishment" of the United States. Rejection of the proposal was so strong there that one British geologist described it as "regarding the Declaration of Independence as retroactive to the Palaeozoic". Continents formed separately and remained so through time, it was thought.

However, one US dissident, Reginald Daly of Harvard, had been in South Africa, encountering the work of Alexander du Toit, who noted similarities in rocks of the Great Karoo and South America. That discovery, enhanced by some detailed measurements in Greenland, suggested that movement was occurring. It took a war and the hunt for submarines to reveal what prompted continental movement. An Irish geophysicist, John Joly had already postulated the mechanism, heat from radioactive elements deep in the Earth required escape. That venting pushed the softer areas in the Earth's crust around. Sitting atop that stirring material, the continents track the flow patterns of the heat.

In moving, the continents encounter each other, joining, fusing and establishing mighty landmasses that break up again. Nield skilfully describes the mechanisms and the people who have read the rocks to understand how they work. Beyond Pangaea, for example, the author cites the work of Mark McMenamin, who proposes a yet older supercontinent, Rodinia. Rodinia's importance in the history of the Earth is that it was probably the extant landform around which complex life, after over 3 billion years, finally emerged. Nield's skill in presenting all these complex ideas and their significance never wanes throughout the book. He's achieved a fine summary of the history of modern geology, supported by a collection of portraits and some line drawings. The emphasis on Pangaea is slightly overdone, but his pointer to Chris Scotese's web page of geologic ages more than overcomes that small limitation. An excellent overview. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

oceans, 08 Jan 2009
If you have an interest in oceans this is the only book you will ever need.Itis very well written and illustrated-particularly the denizens of the deep.In addition to the author thereis one consultant and 9 contributors listed.
The book is divided into various sections as follows a)introduction covering ocean water,geology,circulation and climate,and tides and waves b)the ocean environment dealing with coasts and seashores,shallow seas,the open ocean and sea floor and polar oceans. c)ocean life covering classification,bottom living,migration,and history plus 7 other matters,but the main part is devoted to ocean inhabitants both plants and animals including bacteria and protozoa d)the final section is an atlas of the oceans.
There is an excellent glossary
This book has the failings of all DK pictorial publications in that the best pictures cover two pages completely destroying the image.

A fine book an atlas of the ocean, 17 Sep 2008
500 stunning pages full of pictures, illustrations and diagrams covering different oceans, ocean habitats, marine plants and animals, ocean geology, currents, etc. Ideal for homework, reference or just plain interest. A lovely book for the study or coffee table

Stunning Pictures, Informative Text, 26 Nov 2006
I have recently purchased this book and am impressed by the fantastic amount of information crammed into it as well as the stunning photography. About half the book is about marine life, but there are also well written and illustrated sections about the physical structure and properties of the oceans, and different ocean environments, as well as an excellent Ocean Atlas at the back. I'd thoroughly recommend it!

the best, 10 Nov 2006
I own every book in this series -- Animal, Plant, Earth, Human, and Universe -- and was perplexed why there wasn't an Ocean. When this came out, I was thrilled and nabbed it asap. As usual, the photos are stunning, and Ocean focuses on life at all scales, from microscopic plankton to whales. The multicolored crustaceans and deep-sea bioluminescents are my favorites. I think this is my favorite book in the DK series. No, wait -- Universe is. No -- Ocean. Definitely Ocean.