Tag Archives: Mineralogy

Fifty Minerals That Changes the Course of History, by Eric Chaline: A Review

Posted on December 2, 2016 by Bill Bibliomane

There should be a good deal to like in a book that promises to review the minerals that have changed the course of history. Minerals, and mineralogy as a science, have led to countless developments in human history, and there … Continue reading →

Posted in Authors-Chaline Eric, Book Reviews | Tagged 2 Stars, 21st Century, Friday Science, History of Science, Mineralogy, Technology | 2 Comments

Minerals: Nature’s Fabulous Jewels, by Arthur Court & Ian Campbell, with Photographs by M. Halberstadt: A Review

Posted on October 15, 2016 by Bill Bibliomane

As someone who is renewing his somewhat desultory efforts to write a popular book about mineralogy, I’m always interested to find a book that I didn’t previously know about in this rather esoteric genre. I have found several books in … Continue reading →

Posted in Authors-Campbell Ian, Authors-Court Arthur, Book Reviews | Tagged 20th Century, Mineralogy, Photography, Science Friday | Leave a comment

A Field Guide to Topaz and Associated Minerals of the Thomas Range, Utah (Topaz Mountain), Volume 1: by John Holfert et alia: A Short Review

Posted on December 4, 2015 by Bill Bibliomane

Topaz is one of those beautiful minerals which, at its best, is water clear and appears in many different colours, including a pale blue, a delicate yellow and a watery light brown vaguely reminiscent of a nice dry sherry. As … Continue reading →

Posted in Authors-Holfert John, Book Reviews, Friday Science | Tagged 20th Century, 4 Stars, American West, American Writers, Field Guides, Mineralogy, States-Utah | Leave a comment

Rocks and Minerals (Smithsonian Handbooks), by Chris Pellant: A Review

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Bill Bibliomane

I’ve spent a lot of time in my life with a variety of different field guides, especially mineralogy field guides. In fact, I’ve already reviewed the first one that I ever owned elsewhere. Furthermore, if I run across a new one … Continue reading →

Posted in Authors-Pellant Chris, Book Reviews, Friday Science | Tagged 3.5 Stars, Geology, Guidebooks, Mineralogy | 1 Comment

Rocks and Minerals, by Herbert S. Zim: A Review

Posted on October 30, 2015 by Bill Bibliomane

The Rocks and Minerals Golden Guide was one of my first rock and mineral books when I was quite young, and it holds a fondly-lit place in my memory for that reason, certainly. Nostalgia is a powerful trap, and one of … Continue reading →

Posted in Authors-Zim Herbert S., Book Reviews, Friday Science | Tagged 1950s, 20th Century, 5 Stars, Geology, Golden Guides, Mineralogy | 3 Comments

The Boy Mineral Collectors, by Jay G. Kelley: A Wednesday Wreckage Review

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Bill Bibliomane

Here’s the first Wednesday Wreckage, a new category where I critique a deserving / undeserving book that has raised my hackles, tickled my irritability, or otherwise annoyed me. I have a few fairly negative reviews in my quiver, but this … Continue reading →

Posted in Authors-Kelley Jay G., Book Reviews, Wednesday Wreckage | Tagged 1900s, 20th Century, American Writers, Juvenile, Mineralogy, Science | Leave a comment

American Mineral Treasures, edited by Gloria A. Staebler and Wendell E. Wilson: A Review

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Bill Bibliomane

It’s not always easy to meet fellow mineral collectors. For what used to be such an inclusive and welcoming hobby (or was that just how it felt to me?), a lot of people you meet — at clubs, in rock shops, … Continue reading →