In response to the changing demands of Earth Science courses, an undergraduate textbook covering the full range of Earth materials is welcome. Aspects of geochemistry are dealt with in the early chapters, then crystallography, mineralogy, igneous petrology, sedimentary petrology, metamorphic petrology and finally economic minerals. The preface sets out the authors’ goal to provide an innovative, visually appealing, informative book with a good balance between different disciplines.
Is the book innovative? In the sense that there are few books that cover all aspects of mineralogy and petrology then Earth Materials does tick this particular box. Alas both the text and figures rely heavily on recycling material from existing textbooks and occasionally Wikipedia. Some topics are covered in an outdated fashion and there is little insight into recent research. Sections in the text appear to be extracted from lecture or laboratory notes and include phrases such as ‘You may recall from earlier lectures. . .’ and ‘In your introductory courses. . .’. Instructions are included on to how to change objectives on an old petrographic microscope but there is no consideration of petrological techniques such as electron microscopy. Modern books must compete with web-based learning resources, however, the additional resources are disappointing, restricted to files containing the figures. Other material claimed to be available from the publisher's web-site is not present. The introduction of the word ‘gravelstones’ appears to be an innovation, but not one welcomed by my sedimentologist colleagues.
Is the book visually appealing? Given that Earth Science is a visual subject, the lack of colour figures within the text is a drawback. Although some separate colour plates are included, it is hard to imagine students being enthused by the images. Many photographs are badly lit and not annotated, and images of hand specimen rarely show features of significance. Original line drawings appear to have been prepared without much care. Images are used from other sources without modifying them for this book. Virtually all field photos and most examples quoted are from locations in the USA and this is undoubtedly the readership at which the book is targeted.
Is the book informative? For a large book a few mistakes might be predicted, however these include some glaring omissions and numerous editorial and factual errors.
Major omissions include: structural emplacement of igneous rocks; anorthosites; petrography of pyroclastic rocks; porphyroblast growth; low-pressure metamorphism in extensional environments; and metamorphism during obduction. Whilst there is a wealth of information present there are simply too many errors to give students confidence in the quality of that information. Simple mistakes in mineral formulae, optical properties, chemical components, and spelling of rock names are present. Many errors in metamorphic assemblages are quoted; apparently granoblastic texture simply consists of large equant grains; and accessory minerals in slates include quartz, chlorite, plagioclase and muscovite!
Is the book well balanced? The textbook is comprehensive in some respects; there are two and a half pages on lustre and streak, and many minerals are documented that 99.9% of earth scientists will never encounter. The text is often repetitive and list-like, generally lacks cross-referencing and clear indications of what prior knowledge is expected. If you want a book on Earth Materials that has 16 pages on optic axis figures, a technique now rarely used in Earth Science, then this may be the book for you. Unfortunately I feel that Earth Materials lacks a focus on what students need to know and I'll not be recommending it to undergraduates.
Finally congratulations to the town of Burton-upon-Trent for attaining ‘city’ status, and to Greenland (Fig. 18.5) on moving to the warmer climes of Newfoundland!
