“This book is written for the general reader, so technical terms and the detailed science behind some of the controversies is pushed to the background whilst some of the more human aspects come to the fore. I liked the style and the format of this book which will provide readers with a great insight into the development of our science and the concepts it has brought to the world.” (Down to Earth, 1 November 2011)
“I thoroughly recommend the paperback version of the book to colleagues and students alike – you will not be disappointed.” (Geoscientist, 1 March 2011)
“Recommended. Lower-and upper-division undergraduates and general readers”. (Choice, 1 November 2010)
“Takes the reader through a comprehensive synopsis of the topic; through rock dating and time scales, plutonism and neptunism, uniformitarianism and catastrophism, evolution and creationism, and onto continental drift and plate tectonics. Each concept, set into its own historical timescale, details the development and discoveries that have shaped our understanding of geological time, by the people most notably involved…an ideal introduction to the topic most central to any study of the earth sciences.” Pete Loader (Teaching Earth Sciences Vol 36 No 1 2011)
The development of the science of Geology has a long and fascinating history. As in many branches of science, the personalities and motives (not always honourable) of the key players have had a profound effect on the direction of research, and on the speed at which new ideas have evolved and have been disseminated.
Time Matters provides an invaluable insight into the background behind some of the key concepts we use in Earth science today. It shows the historical context in which these ideas were developed, the important contributions of individual scientists and thinkers, and how these ideas continue to shape our view of science and the world in which we live.
This book is written for anyone with an interest in geology and the history of science, but will be particularly valuable to university or high-school students beginning a study of earth science for the first time.
From the Back Cover
The development of the science of Geology has a long and fascinating history. As in many branches of science, the personalities and motives (not always honourable) of the key players have had a profound effect on the direction of research, and on the speed at which new ideas have evolved and have been disseminated.
Time Matters provides an invaluable insight into the background behind some of the key concepts we use in Earth science today. It shows the historical context in which these ideas were developed, the important contributions of individual scientists and thinkers, and how these ideas continue to shape our view of science and the world in which we live.
This book is written for anyone with an interest in geology and the history of science, but will be particularly valuable to university or high-school students beginning a study of earth science for the first time.
About the Author
Mike Leddra worked as a cartographer before gaining a degree in geology and geography from King’s College, University of London, and a PhD in geology from University College, University of London. In 1993, he became a Senior Lecturer in Engineering and Environmental Geology at the University of Sunderland, where he also qualified as a secondary school geography teacher. He now runs his own education consultancy, Forefront Teaching Resources Ltd.
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