In its first edition, Soils established itself as the leading textbook in the fields of pedology and soil geomorphology. Expanded and fully updated, this second edition maintains its highly organized and readable style. Suitable as a textbook and a research-grade reference, the book's introductory chapters in soil morphology, mineralogy, chemistry, physics and organisms prepare the reader for the more advanced treatment that follows. Unlike its competitors, this textbook devotes considerable space to discussions of soil parent materials and soil mixing, along with dating and paleoenvironmental reconstruction techniques applicable to soils. Although introductions to widely used soil classification systems are included, theory and processes of soil genesis and geomorphology form the backbone of the book. Replete with more than 550 high-quality figures and photos and a detailed glossary, this book will be invaluable for anyone studying soils, landforms and landscape change anywhere on the globe.

Review of previous edition:‘… a remarkably comprehensive and up-to-date review … The writing is clear and concise, and the authors' enthusiasm for their subject material is obvious. This book will appeal to individuals from a number of disciplines and sub-disciplines who find soils interesting, including pedology, soil geomorphology, earth system science, environmental science and Quaternary geology … it will be an excellent textbook for upper-level undergraduate and graduate level courses in soil geography, pedology and geomorphology.'

Source: The Canadian Geographer

Review of previous edition:‘This is a big book in size, concept, and ideas. The book is lavishly illustrated, with an extensive reference list providing the student reader with a ready gateway into the research literature. A large glossary of terms associated with both soils and geomorphology is also a welcome addition to the book. Each section is often approached in quite fresh and new ways … wonderful.'

Source: Environmental Conservation

Review of previous edition:‘The greatest strength of this text is that it offers a fresh look at soil genesis, blending a variety of concepts and paradigms of the science that are not traditionally addressed together. It serves as an excellent summary of pedogenic theory and should occupy the shelves of all pedologists and students of soil science. Likewise, it would serve as a very useful text for other disciplines, particularly the field sciences such as ecology, geology, range management, forestry, and geomorphology.'

Anthony O'Green Source: Vadose Zone Journal

Review of previous edition:‘… a comprehensive new text that brings the excitement of discovery back into soil science … an enthusiastic presentation of the complexity and beauty of soils and the landscapes they occupy. The writing is clear without being simplistic and the numerous figures illustrate the concepts admirably … The book will be essential reading for teachers, students, researchers, field soil scientists and all who have an interest in soil geomorphology.'

Dan Muhs - US Geological Survey

Review of previous edition:‘… a landmark publication in the study of soils … This book should be unusually versatile, suitable at advanced undergraduate and graduate levels for courses in pedology, soil geography, and soil geomorphology. It is a remarkable volume, quite unlike any other soils book out there.'

Vance Holliday - University of Arizona

Review of previous edition:‘… a well written, refreshing, and sorely needed addition to the fields of soils, geomorphology, physical geography, ecology, archaeology, and Quaternary geology. This book has it all … I predict wide adoption in courses that treat these subjects … Kudos to the authors for a job well done.'

Donald Johnson - University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Review of previous edition:‘This fresh treatment of the discipline of pedology is very welcome. Schaetzl and Anderson have crafted a book that is highly readable, utterly up to date and thorough, with dazzling illustrations.'

Alan Busacca - Washington State University

Review of previous edition:‘… a very readable and well-illustrated text that covers all the bases. Finally, we can offer our students a single text that provides a thorough introduction to soil genesis, classification, and soil geomorphology. I'm sure this will become the standard text in the discipline for many years to come. I'm definitely going to adopt it for my Soil Genesis and Geomorphology class.'

Art Bettis - University of Iowa

‘This is a rare textbook: well-written, comprehensive, up to date, thought-provoking, and refreshingly opinionated. Schaetzl and Anderson took on an ambitious task in writing a textbook that not only covers pedology and soil geomorphology but also provides some of the necessary background in related areas of soil science. They have completed this task in admirable fashion.'

Joseph A. Mason - University of Wisconsin, Madison

'The easy style of the writers and the comprehensive and attractive graphics makes this essential reading and reference material … this is a scholarly contribution to soil science and geomorphology, and largely it delivers what it promises. It is a pleasure to read: it is well organised and illustrated, and it conveys the passion of the authors for their topic … this is a book that will aid and inspire non-specialists to delve into the glorious world of soils … It is suitable as an undergraduate text from second- to final-year soil and earth science specialisations … I’ll be buying my own copy.'

Peter Almond Source: Quaternary Australasia

'Schaetzl and Thompson have managed to convey a sense of enthusiasm for their topic throughout the text, assisted in no small measure by the abundant use of pictures and graphics to illustrate their points. Where competing theories exist, the authors carefully give credence to alternatives to those, which they develop in the text.'

M. S. Coyne Source: Choice