The Practical Geologist: The Introductory Guide to the Basics of Geology and to Collecting and Identifying Rocks

This is a great book. It is dense in that every line has good content, not much filler in this book. The graphics are terrific. It contains highly technical explanation and details if you want them. If you choose, you can skip the details and enjoy the graphics alone and first paragraphs of each subsection to get the gist of what is being discussed. I am so glad I bought this book. I don't care to learn and memorize the all the details but I am glad to have them should I want to know more about any one subjet. The topcs range from basic earth tectonics, land/continent formation to minerals, essential geologic processes and so much more. This is a wonderful book to read. The writing style compliments the generalist as well as the specialist.

I got this book as a means to keep refreshed on geologic principles that are important and to take with me on hikes to help me identify rocks. I ended up learning some new stuff I didn’t already know as a Geology major, and the author was able to better explain certain geologic occurances better than my professor. Also, I find the sketches and pictures to be outstanding!!! Great book! I highly recommend for those who want a basic understanding of the geology of our beautiful planet. :)

Among my many interests, geology has always been lurking in the background, one that I never really pursued but nonetheless seemed worth knowing about. For this reason, I finally got around to getting a book on the topic, and picked out The Practical Geologist by Dougal Dixon. Although it isn't a bad book, it was also not the wisest choice for me. As the title indicates, this is a book for the practical geologist, one that goes out to sites to assess the landscape: the types of rocks, the shape of the hills, et cetera. There are plenty of illustrations and photographs to assist the reader, along with information about how to write up notes and set up displays. All this is wonderful in its own way, but for the true geological layman like myself, it is a bit more than what I wanted. That is to say, as an introduction to geology, this book is not wholly successful: while never getting overly technical, it also doesn't offer enough in the way of explanation. Instead, it just presents the facts and moves onto the next topic. It reads a bit more like a reference book than a regular science book. The back of the book describes The Practical Geologist as the "perfect introduction to the world of earth science". This is not really the case. Nonetheless, I am giving this book four stars: I think that what this book does, it does well. If you're looking for a first book on geology, however, I would search elsewhere.

I have owned at least 5 books on the intro to Geology and this one is brilliant. The Author's uses only 2 pages per topic with each of the 2 pages using colour photographs along with the text where necessary includes graphs and tables. Right to the point with an easy to understand text leaving you a complete knowledge of the topic! Authors of non-fiction books need to take notice on how to do this as they just haven't gotten it and are much to verbose. I give the a 5 star+++. I look forward these Author's future books.

I was looking for an easy review of introductory geology, and this book nailed it.

The Practical Geologist was great for me! I had a basic knowledge of Geology (some basic books and some earth science classes in middle school) and am very interested in studying Geology when I go back to college. It expanded greatly on my knowledge while remaining simple enough to be easily understood. It teaches a good bit about minerals and their crystal forms, the different types of rocks, plate tectonics, the formation of various structures (sills, mountains, valleys, beaches, dikes, etc.), sedimentology, and teaches you how to do field work/geology (map making, rock collection analysis and documentation). After reading it, I feel that I am able to study the rocks and formations in my area (Chattanooga, Tennessee) and develop a decent understanding of the Geology. It is also well written, and the author inserts humor every now and then.

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Wishing to highlight the practical nature of geology the author has successfully accomplished the task proposed. First "The Practical Geologist" is a wonderful book for the beginning geologist or anyone interested in earth sciences. It's full of lots of great pictures, and the best part of the book is the section where it tells you how to collect and label specimens of rock yourself. It's a book with detailed descriptions suited for both the beginner and those already into Geology. This book is a perfect learning tool for all ages. I recommend "The Practical Geologist" to people of any age interested in science.

A great introductory guide. We are using it for our homeschool. The photos are lovely, the pages thick and durable.

Excellent book for anyone interested in geology. Well written and at an excellent price. Very readable indeed, and with a wealth of practical information in a handy book.

Very good and interesting book.

Great product, came as described in proper packaging.

Ex library book. very cheap. good condition. Price included postage (unbelievably).