author : James F. P. Cotter

This is the course guidebook that accompanies the 24 lecture “Great Course” of the same name. It is essentially an abbreviated transcript of each 30 minute lecture, a few pictures, some suggested reading, and a few questions to think about. (I watched the lectures, which is what I am reviewing here, and am using the book simply as an aide-memoire.)

This is an interesting course on field geology. There is plenty of theory: how, where and why rocks form and erode. There is also plenty of practical guidelines: field equipment, looking for rocks, even prospecting for gold and gems. This combination makes for an interesting combination of old rocks, and what they are like today.