Geology Illustrated

by John S. Shelton, Hal Shelton (illustrator)

Pictorially develops the main principles of physical & historical geology.

Genres: Geology, Nonfiction, Science, Earth Sciences

446 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1966

Reviews

[Peter Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic work: oblique air photos, taken by the author, of geologic features of the Western US. Shelton was a good geologist, a good pilot, and a pioneer in geologic aerial photography. His book helped to educate generations of young geologists, including me. “Geology Illustrated” was chosen as one of the top 100 science books of the 20th century by American Scientist magazine. This is the best single book of geologic aerial photography ever published.

Not to be missed if you are interested in Western geology. Good used copies can be found for around $10. Go for it!

[Stan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful 50-year old book for anyone with interest in the world around them. Shelton uses beautiful aerial photographs to describe geologic principles and the processes leading to the landforms we see. The reader often has the feeling of having an insider unveiling the secrets hidden in plain view in our surrounding topography. Possibly, updating the photographs using today's technology could improve the book, but even as they are (all B&W, and published in 1966) the photos are so good that one can almost always easily pick out the features Shelton describes. This one will have a treasured position on my bookshelf.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I once remarked to a fellow airline pilot, "I wish I'd taken a geology class in college. I'd like to know what I'm looking at when we fly over these beautiful vistas." He recommended Shelton's _Geology Illustrated_. I'm glad he did.

Shelton was a pilot, and his book is filled with aerial photographs to help the reader understand macroscopic geologic concepts. I found this to be particularly useful, like a lexicon to help me understand the story being told below me.

I particularly recommend this book to my fellow airline pilots. It'll add a whole new dimension to your flights.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A geology book that contains many pictures, does not use complicated terminology, and is produced with love and care by someone with a deep understanding of the field. If you have any interest in geology you owe it to yourself to track this one down. This is a book that changed how I understand the world around me.

This could use a modern edition with color photography, but the plentiful black and white images are still good enough to help understand the subtler points of geology.