Choice Review

Over the past decade a number of print and online encyclopedias have been published about the earth sciences. This title (currently in print but soon to be available online) focuses on geology rather than all the earth sciences. It provides thorough coverage of the discipline, including articles that profile the geology of major countries and continents. Contributors describe the geology of other planets and phenomena in the Earth's solar system and discuss the importance of geology as it relates to settings or professions as diverse as the military, forensics, the Bible, and the making of beer, wine, and whiskey. Contributors come from academic institutions, museums, and commercial organizations located around the world, but especially from the UK and USA. The editors and editorial board members, who are well published, draw on diverse backgrounds within the discipline. Broad in scope, the encyclopedia's entries are arranged alphabetically and consist of one or more articles relating to a particular topic. Following each article is a list of further readings that include current and classic scholarly books, journal articles, special papers, and proceedings. Like the contributors, these suggested readings have an international emphasis. The graphics are plentiful and of good quality. They range from black-and-white photos and illustrations to color photos, detailed maps, and charts. A complete table of contents (including see references) at the front of each volume and cross-references at the end of each article aid readers in negotiating the set. An index at the back of volume 5 provides detailed access to the articles' contents. According to Elsevier, this encyclopedia will soon be available online via ScienceDirect , adding to its accessibility. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. All levels. C. Hebblethwaite SUNY Oswego