I've found this textbook very useful as a reference for geological periods when reading other books that gloss over the complexities of geological time. It has especially made a number of things about my local geology clearer. ( )

Historical Geology covers Earth's history from its formation up to the present day. It focuses on the mountain building orogenies, erosion of the oceans, and lifeforms preserved in the fossil record during each period geologic time.

The first several chapters are in effect a review of physical geology. Then the book begins explaining the sequences of sedimentary rock in relation to their deposition following the corresponding orogenies (tectonic collisions resulting in major mountain building episodes). Simply put, mountains form from the collision of continents. Once the orogeny occurs, erosion begins to wear mountains back down to sea level immediately after the mountain is formed. As this happens sediment buries and fossilizes plants and animals living in the deposition environment.

Which brings us to the next major area this book focuses on: fossils and evolutionary theory. I enjoyed learning how to deciphering of sequences of sedimentary rock using geology and paleontology. My recommendation is that anyone interested in fossils should get this textbook. ( )