From the reviews:
|"[The Little Book of Planet Earth] provides critical insights into the nature of Earth's composition, our understanding of Earth's magnetic field, and plate tectonics." Science News
"How did life on our planet evolve? How old is Earth? How was our solar system formed and, with it, our planet? These are big questions, but the answers are found in this small book that gives broad insights into earth science." Science News
"An amazing introduction to what scientific research through the past centuries up to the modern day has learned about our planet." The Bookwatch
"The book is a small miracle." New Scientist
"The Little Book of Planet Earth describes the geological evolution of Earth from its formation. … In this concise and engaging little book, the author introduces lay readers to the key topics in modern earth and planetary science: the creation of Earth and its moon, the role of seismology in analyzing Earth’s structure, the formation of mountain ranges and basins, the significance of Earth’s magnetic field, and more." (Science in Africa, October, 2002)
"The Little Book of Planet Earth by meteorologist and geophysicist Rolf Meissner is an amazing introduction to what scientific research through the past centuries up to the modern day has learned about our planet. From the origin of the solar system to plate tectonics to earth’s magnetic field and much more, chapters teach all about the Earth in straightforward, easy-to-understand language accessible to lay readers. Highly recommended for all readers … ." (Circulation, June, 2002)
"This small but delightful book should interest anyone curious about the planet he or she lives on. … Meissner treats this material in an interesting and easy-to-read style. But he does much more – he also describes the formation of Earth and its development. … There are numerous illustrations and photographsthroughout, along with a section on further reading. … Strongly recommended. General readers; lower- and upper-division undergraduates." (B. R. Parker, Choice, October, 2002)
"It is an up-to-date account of great breakthroughs in the earth sciences during the second half of the 20th century, that were published in top journals. … A very interesting work that satisfies one’s taste for understanding the basics of the science his professional occupation is based upon." (Michiel Dusar, Geologica Belgica, Vol. 5 (1-2), 2002)
"It’s a simple plan and excellently carried out, exploring early ideas about the origin of the Earth, then describing the Solar System and gradually narrowing the focus until reaching the core of the Earth itself. Meissner then retraces his path with fascinating explanations … . There are admirable illustrations, too. … the book is a small miracle." (Roy Herbert, New Scientist, May, 2002)
The Little Book series from Copernicus offers a concise take on a range of popular subjects from volcanoes to stars. Written by top experts, their small size and attractive packaging make them a nice gift idea for the scientifically minded.
...provides critical insights into the nature of Earth's composition, our understanding of Earth's magnetic field, and plate tectonics.
Meteorologist and geophysicist Meissner presents a chronological description of Earth's evolution in one small, accessible book. He begins with an overview of how geological (and cosmological) theories and disciplines have evolved, then offers fluid and engaging descriptions of the Big Bang, the formation of the Earth and Moon, Earth's geological structure and behavior, tools of geology as well as new discoveries and concepts, and biological evolution. The final chapter briefly discusses nuclear energy and alternative energy sources. Very nicely translated from the original German. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
