Myth and Geology - Special Publication no 273 (Geological Society Special Publication) - Hardcover

L. Piccardi And W. B. Masse; Editors

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1862392161 ISBN 13: 9781862392168

Publisher: Geological Society of London, 2007

Synopsis

This book is the first peer-reviewed collection of papers focusing on the potential of myth storylines to yield data and lessons that are of value to the geological sciences. Building on the nascent discipline of geomythology, scientists and scholars from a variety of disciplines have contributed to this volume. The geological hazards (such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and cosmic impacts) that have given rise to myths are considered, as are the sacred and cultural values associated with rocks, fossils, geological formations and landscapes. There are also discussions about the historical and literary perspectives of geomythology. Regional coverage includes Europe and the Mediterranean, Afghanistan, Cameroon, India, Australia, Japan, Pacific islands, South America and North America. Myth and Geology challenges the widespread notion that myths are fictitious or otherwise lacking in value for the physical sciences.

The Geological Society of London

Founded in 1807, the Geological Society of London is the oldest geological society in the world, and one of the largest publishers in the Earth sciences.

The Society publishes a wide range of high-quality peer-reviewed titles for academics and professionals working in the geosciences, and enjoys an enviable international reputation for the quality of its work.

The many areas in which we publish in include:

-Petroleum geology
-Tectonics, structural geology and geodynamics
-Stratigraphy, sedimentology and paleontology
-Volcanology, magmatic studies and geochemistry
-Remote sensing
-History of geology
-Regional geology guides

About this title

Review:

Myth and Geology will be a major reference in the field of geomythology for decades to come. --Rick Minor, Heritage Research Associates, Inc. Review was featured in Geographical Journal Vol 175 No. 1 2009

On an editorial note, the book is beautifully presented and pleasant to read in the two-columns format used, though readers with other backgrounds than the sciences will lament the systematic absence of page numbers in bibliographical references. In conclusion, this book is indispensable reading material for anyone wishing to keep up to date on developments in the theory of mythology or on Holocenic events in geology. With Nur and Burgess (2008) and recent progress in 'cosmomythology', it provides a solid bedrock for a new 'nature theory' of myth. --Marinus Anthony van der Sluijs, Myth & Symbol Vol 5 (2) Nov 2009

Masse's essay is just one of 25 contained within this fascinating collection, which describes the search for the underlying geological truths behind a global array of myths.

Apart from the intrinsic value of the individual contributions, the volume also serves as a useful introduction to the scope of the subject and its literature, which otherwise can be difficult to source as it is scattered through journals in a variety of disciplines. --Douglas Palmer - Review Featured in The Journal of Geological. Magazine, Cambridge University Press 2010

Myth and Geology is a valuable book that can be recommended to all historians for science. --Bernhard Fritscher - Review featured in Isis Vol 100. No. 3 2009

This book opens a fascinating new window on the geological, but also on the mythological world. It forces everybody to reflect on hidden meanings of legendary folkloristic events and is wholeheartedly recommended to everybody who wants to broaden his perspective. --T. J.A.Reijers Geo-Training & Travel, Anderen, The Netherlands - Featured in KNGMG newsletter (Journal for Shell employees)

Myth and Geology is a valuable book that can be recommended to all historians for science. --Bernhard Fritscher - Review featured in Isis Vol 100. No. 3 2009

About this edition

• Publisher: Geological Society of London
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1862392161
• ISBN 13: 9781862392168
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 360