Geology Books

A geologist retraces the steps of the 19th-century American emigrants across the prairies and the deserts and the mountains to the California gold fields.

Michael Welland makes the subject of sand his base station for a journey around the whole Earth system and beyond.

A charming and insightful treatment of the scientific worldview based on a stroll along England's Prime Meridian.

A book to make anyone dream like a geologist.

A warm and humane account of a geologist's life in Italy's Apennine range.

The great detective Sherlock Holmes is the exemplar of the modern geologist. Read the stories online.

An insider's look at a great geologist's exploration of the western territories and founding of the U.S. Geological Survey.

Here's a set of books that provide a taste of one of geology's central experiences: fieldwork.

An exploration of landscape and culture in America's most dangerous place.

A classic book on disaster resilience, living sustainably with natural disasters, has gotten high-level attention.

A sideways view of the history of geology subtitled "The Search for the Age of the Earth."

Some general advice for those who want to learn more.

The best guide there is for visiting the world's most famous fault.

Children's Books guide Elizabeth Kennedy reviews a range of good dinosaur books.

An elegant introduction to the fossil wealth of America's greatest paleontological province.

A closely observed, beautifully produced account of the Grand Canyon's origin for good friends of the canyon and every geologist.

Superb handbook for learning to love the San Francisco Bay area's rocks and landscape.

A ramble through an emerging California wine region and the geology that underlies it.

Philip Fradkin's book sets the standard for treatments of California's seismic side: the geology, geography, history and political significance of the state's earthquakes.

A massive collection of papers that sets forth the next stage of plate tectonics.

Earthquakes are not just calamities but agents of regime change, sometimes in surprising ways. Subtitled "The Far-Reaching Effects of Seismic Disruptions."

The great scientist's last book is the single best science book I know.

Just the sort of thing for those who like this sort of thing—but not for geologists.

A sweeping, definitive new look at the iconic American disaster.

A great world city is entwined with exceptional geology in this unique tour guide.

College-level treatment of volcano science presented with personal authority and superb illustrations.

Gives California citizens all they need to take the fruits of seismic science into their personal lives, homes, neighborhoods and the public arena.

The ninth in the Em Hansen series of forensic geology thrillers has our heroine embroiled in a deadly drama centering on mineral pigments, beguiling gray-eyed strangers, stolen art and the need to get moving on her master's thesis. We also journey with her as she emerges from inner blockage to a new personal freedom.

A 'geology for poets' book that delivers geology AND poetry, thanks to a paleontologist author who reaches deep into the science without leaving his heart and humanity behind.

Two wine-loving geologists have opened a new line of inquiry into the heart of winegrowing, bringing new depth to terroir: the concept that connects a wine's character with the place giving rise to it.

An unforgettable look at the outer and inner life of a contented scientist, plus a cogent introduction to Earth science.

About 20 recent books for your reading pleasure.

Outstanding photos of a museum's prize minerals with ill-fitting scientific dressing.