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The Story of Earth: The First 4.5 Billion Years, from Stardust to Living Planet by Robert M. Hazen
emegallego's review against another edition
3.0
I was torn between 3 and 4 stars. Hazen walks you through 4.5 billion yesrs of Earth history in a clear and informative way. I learnt a lot of new facts. However, I didn't enjoy the style. Some metaphors were so cheesy or far fetched that they took me out of "the flow". I also think a few pictures of minerals or chemical structures would have made this book great.
meeramira's review against another edition
5.0
Another interesting book! I really liked how it was written, very informative and educational. I definitely recommend.
teachinsci's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! This book, written for a popular audience without talk down to them, was informative as well as interesting. Hazen draws on diverse fields such as astronomy, paleontology, and geophysics to paint a history of the planet we call home. His story telling method includes personal anecdotes smoothly transitioning into scientific evidence to bring those who might be venturing into historical geology for the first time into the fold and, eventually, along for the ride.
The only complaint I have is that the lack of illustrations of some of the topics, such as the motion of the protocontinents, would have made this book nearly a required read for any geology course. As it is, any student who had trouble finding a spark of interest in geology would be well advised to read this book to whet their appetite for a deeper understanding.
One section which was especially compelling was the section on the future of Earth. In discussing global climate change and its impact, Hazen correctly draws a distinction between saving the Earth and preserving humanity's future. The evidence he puts forth in a stark and no-nonsense manner would seem to bury any argument that humans have "nothing to worry about."
This is the first book I have read from Hazen, but it will not be the last.
The only complaint I have is that the lack of illustrations of some of the topics, such as the motion of the protocontinents, would have made this book nearly a required read for any geology course. As it is, any student who had trouble finding a spark of interest in geology would be well advised to read this book to whet their appetite for a deeper understanding.
One section which was especially compelling was the section on the future of Earth. In discussing global climate change and its impact, Hazen correctly draws a distinction between saving the Earth and preserving humanity's future. The evidence he puts forth in a stark and no-nonsense manner would seem to bury any argument that humans have "nothing to worry about."
This is the first book I have read from Hazen, but it will not be the last.
tsharris's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent history of how geology and biology are interconnected, a sort of unified theory of earth. Dry at times, but I have a much better understanding of the early history of our planet.
kristinisreading's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. Hazen does a good job telling an integrated story of the earth. I think what I liked best was how it merged physics, chemistry, biology, the geological sciences, and geography to pull together a cohesive story. What made it such a strong read for me was that I found the book to be very satisfying itself and yet it made me want to learn even. So, I got not only the enjoyment of this book but also the inspiration to pursue the subjects further.
mabersold's review against another edition
3.0
Focuses primarily on the earth itself and not as much as the life upon it. Informative and interesting, though not particularly engaging. Not a fan of the mild doomerism or apparent acceptance of the clathrate gun hypothesis.