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Prepared by DK Publishing in association with the Smithsonian Institution, this oversize volume (10.25x12.25) is distinguished by masterful integration of graphics and text. Nicely designed pages featuring color photographs, maps, and diagrams of various sizes, from thumbnail to two-page spreads, engage even casual browsers. The text supplies plenty of information for readers seeking something beyond the visual display. Editor Luhr is chairman of the Smithsonian's mineral sciences department, and he was joined by other consultants from the Institution in overseeing the project; the text is by a roster of seasoned science writers. Material is divided into five sections on the physical history of the planet Earth, its land, oceans, atmosphere, and tectonic structure. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

520 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1994

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5 stars
151 (56%)
4 stars
77 (29%)
3 stars
28 (10%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Metodi Markov.
1,731 reviews440 followers
June 12, 2025
If you want to know something about our mother planet - the Earth, this is the book you have to read.

Very well organized and with amazing illustrations.

I highly recommend it even in our digital era!!!

It’s a true bijou in my home library!
Profile Image for Abe.
277 reviews88 followers
February 9, 2017
One of my favorite coffee table books. The photographs are gorgeous and the book is packed with remarkable facts.
Profile Image for Štěpán.
515 reviews48 followers
January 4, 2020
I grew up in a house with a lot of educational books. Naturally, I flipped through them and forgot about most of the stuff inside. Whenever I wanted to check something I would take a peek, find the thing and put the massive book back on the shelf. Nevertheless, I never thought that I'd actually one day read it and use it more than just a "cool picture book". For what this is - it is a brilliant piece of an encyclopedia for normies who don't need to know how fast the tectonic plates move. I'd appreciate a little bit more detailed description but this is a great collection and overview!
1 review
October 20, 2020
Masterful compendium of information concerning the earth's composition and features. A pleasure to read as well as use as a reference when particular issues arise in need of resolving. Since our earth is now threatened, I'm looking at it more often with a sense of hunger for the kind of climate change answers still being hammered out in labs and libraries everywhere. Where will the planet end up?
Profile Image for Adam Dawson.
384 reviews31 followers
September 16, 2022
5 / 5 for 'Earth' by James F. Luhr

An utterly fantastic, absolutely enthralling and wonderfully presented guide to every physical aspect of our planet earth, that you could possibly think of. This book is packed full of informative, interesting and uncomplicated text and filled with beautiful photography and excellent diagram.

Quite possibly the best DK book that I have read yet.

5 / 5
Profile Image for Anna.
155 reviews
March 16, 2019
One of my favorite non fiction books, beautiful pictures!
329 reviews5 followers
March 18, 2015
A great early reader science book for adventurous first grade readers; 2nd graders who love nature and science will appreciate the pairing of illustrations with fairly brief explanations. This is also very appropriate for 3rd grade readers with shorter attention spans to introduce them to nonfiction, natural sciences. Parents and teachers will appreciate the glossary at the back. A few games and playful quizzes help to review retention/comprehension in a fun way for young children. Recommended.
Profile Image for Melissa.
38 reviews
March 17, 2007
A comprehensive overview of nearly all aspects of geology and earth/physical science, this is a beautiful reference to have in your library. Like most DK/Eyewitness guides, it is informative to a point, but then fails to go any deeper into the subject matter; however, it gives you just enough information to be able to investigate further on your own with some idea of what it is you are seeking to learn.
Profile Image for Belle.
40 reviews
November 16, 2013
This book is my "can't go to sleep book". I have it on my bedside at all times, and tend to pick it up during the nights of tossing and turning and inability to switch off my mind.

It's interesting, it's descriptive, short and compact and has a great deal of beautiful pictures in it, as well. I usually flip it open on a random page and just started reading, and usually, after reading it, I can get to sleep.
Profile Image for Itsbecka.
84 reviews
January 14, 2008
This is a really nice, simple geology reference. There's a whole section on igneous intrusions, so you know it's cool. Kidding aside, it has many examples of geological phenomena (like igneous intrusions = Devil's Tower). A fun book to thumb through.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
44 reviews
August 29, 2008
I'm not totally through this book (it's like a textbook). It's a work in progress that I read here and there. It's amazing though. Great pictures and fascinating facts and information. I love learning more about the earth that we live on and all of it's amazing resources. Highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Theresa.
8,300 reviews134 followers
September 29, 2014
children resource about the earth and its geology and chronology
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,610 reviews50 followers
September 24, 2015
A lovely book. Beautiful pictures and facts about the earth. The end of the book tells of things men have done to damage the earth, and what we can do to help the earth.
Profile Image for Laura.
1 review
Currently reading
September 6, 2010
I am loving this book right now. The pictures are great and the information is comprehensive.
675 reviews19 followers
April 21, 2017
Read this years ago and loved it! DK books are awesome to explore!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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