Customer Reviews:
 Where science writing should go June 15, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I've enjoyed this book immensely since I found it in a little shop in Gairloch. Its compelling title drew me in and as soon as I saw Scotland's geology was being discussed with that of the Moon and Mars, I knew Rider was on the right track. At times, Rider leans a bit heavily on the terms and expressions he knows so well from his geology background and gentler guidance for the reader would help get some of the finer points of geology across. I also could have done without the rants about wind farms. They seemed so out of place in such a good book. Nevertheless, Rider ably mixes fine storytelling of a human dimension with the awe of Earth's history and context in the Solar System.
Well done, Malcolm Rider. Your book is a gem.
Geological writing worthy of the Highlands. August 13, 2007
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
This excellent book manages to delve deep into the complexities of Scottish geology using lucid explanations of sometimes quite complex science to explain details and principles which are usually either avoided by the dumbing-down demanded by popular science or couched in terminology so esoteric as to be incomprehensible to the less-than-PhD standard reader. The only book I have read which is truly worthy of its wonderful subject matter and surely compulsory reading for any aspiring geologist, geomorphologist or anyone simply eager to understand something of Britain's most wild and beautiful andscapes.
seriously entertaining book June 14, 2007
11 out of 12 found this review helpful
Bought this book on the strength of its title and the backup material on its website huttonsarse.com. Not disappointed - it lives up to its title. Not a field guide, and doesn't assume any knowledge of geo-jargon. But serious heavyweight geology in a lucid, personal, and entertaining style. I gave my copy away to a friend who lives in Wester Ross so now I'm back on Amazon buying another.
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