SKU: 39657104789

The Mountains of Saint Francis: Discovering the Geologic Events That Shaped Our Earth

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The Mountains of Saint Francis: Discovering the Geologic Events That Shaped Our EarthModern geologists, Walter Alvarez among them, showed in the last decades of the twentieth century that the history of our planet has witnessed events profoundly more dramatic than even the most spectacular chapters in human history. More violent than wars, more life altering than revolutions understanding the geologic events that have shaped the Earth's surface is the quest and the passion of geologists. In the knowledgeable and graceful prose of

Modern geologists, Walter Alvarez among them, showed in the last decades of the twentieth century that the history of our planet has witnessed events profoundly more dramatic than even the most spectacular chapters in human history. More violent than wars, more life altering than revolutions--understanding the geologic events that have shaped the Earth's surface is the quest and the passion of geologists. In the knowledgeable and graceful prose of Alvarez, general readers are led to explore the many mysteries that our planet guards.

The author has chosen Italy as a microcosm in which to explore this amazing past for several reasons. First, it is the land where the earliest geologists learned how to read the history of the Earth, written in nature's rock archives. Second, it is where Alvarez and his Italian geological friends have continued to decipher the rock record, uncovering more historical episodes from the Earth's past. And third, the lovely land of Italy is unusually rich in geological treasures and offers examples of the key processes that have created the landscapes of the entire world.

The Mountains of Saint Francis begins in Rome. We discover that the landscape of Rome was built by violent volcanic eruptions in the very recent past, almost certainly witnessed by our human ancestors. Next we travel to Siena and come face to face with a fundamental discovery of the geologists--that much of the dry land that we currently inhabit was once underwater, beneath ancient seas or oceans. Then we stop in the small medieval city of Gubbio and contemplate the amazing secret that the limestone rocks kept hidden for 65 million years--that a huge asteroid smashed into the Earth, disrupting the environment so severely that the dinosaurs, and perhaps half of the other forms of life inhabiting the Earth at the time, disappeared forever, opening the way for the rise of the mammals and eventually of humans.

The impact theory that came from those Italian limestones at Gubbio was one of the great geological discoveries of the twentieth century. Just as important to the field of geology was the theory of plate tectonics--the understanding that the outer layer of the Earth is divided into crustal plates that move around, sometimes carrying continents into collisions with one another, like the great collision between Italy and Europe that built the Alps. And yet, to explain the Mountains of Saint Francis requires something more than a collision between continents. These are mountains that are still jealously guarding the secret of their past, and in this book we go along with the geological detectives as they try to uncover that secret. It is a journey that has seen the land of Italy lifted out of the sea, squashed and folded, torn apart, left high and dry when the Mediterranean Sea evaporated away, and then flooded when the Atlantic waters poured back in.

The story of the Earth's history is fascinating in its own right, but with Alvarez as the tour guide, the journey takes on a human dimension, full of stories about the landscape and history of Italy and about the great geologists who uncovered the deep past of this land. It is a journey recounted in warm tones and subtle colors, reflecting the transcendent beauty of Italy itself.



Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Published: 12/01/2008
ISBN: 9780393061857
Pages: 304
Weight: 1.27lbs
Size: 9.28h x 6.44w x 0.98d

Review Citations: Library Journal Prepub Alert 01/14/2008 pg. 62
Publishers Weekly 05/26/2008 pg. 48
Library Journal 06/15/2008 pg. 88
Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2008 pg. 627
Booklist 07/01/2008 pg. 22
Scitech Book News 12/01/2008 pg. 56
Choice 06/01/2009
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SKU: 39657104789

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Heather Watson
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
great water bottle, doesn't leak
Color: Camo Cool, Size: 24 Ounces
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Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2026
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Maylauri
Houston, US
★★★★★ 4
Great Water Bottle but failed after one year.
Color: Foggy Tide, Size: 32 Ounces
I purchased this Owala water bottle a little over a year ago and it was in my top favorites. The flip-up lid is a great feature, and I like that you can use it with or without the straw. It’s completely leak-proof, comfortable to carry, and has held up well with daily use. My only complaint had been that it doesn’t fit in most standard cup holders. But after about a year, I did notice that it stopped keeping my water cold as long as it used to, and the ice began melting much faster. I reached out to Owala customer service but unfortunately never received a response. Even with that issue, I still prefer the lid design over brands like Yeti or RTIC, so I would consider purchasing another Owala in the future. If you value a convenient, leak-proof lid design, it’s definitely worth considering. I just sincerely hope the insulation lasts longer on the next one.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2026
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Kristen Tryon
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
The BEST water bottle on the market!
Color: Denim, Size: 32 Ounces
I am in love with this water bottle! I take it everywhere with me, and I love that it has a built-in straw. The color is perfect as well. It motivates me to get my water intake in, and it helps me meet my fitness goals. It is easily washed in the dishwasher, and I don't have to worry about it breaking. It keeps the temperature of my water perfect- whether I add ice or not. It is sturdy but not too heavy.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2026
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Daquita Cooper
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent Summer Resource for Kids!
Format: Paperback
I purchased the "Summer Bridge Activities 2nd to 3rd Grade Workbook" for my 8-year-old, and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. This comprehensive workbook is a fantastic tool to keep children engaged and learning during the summer break. My sibling is an elementary school teacher and introduced me to these books when my son was in Kindergarten and I honestly have not looked back. My LO loved a good challenge so we typically do multiple days to ensure we finish it in its entirety during the summer. I'm constantly recommending these books every summer as I have not yet found anything to replace it. Content Quality: The workbook covers all essential subjects: math, reading comprehension, writing, science, social studies, and even fitness. Each section is well-organized and filled with age-appropriate activities that challenge and entertain. The variety of exercises ensures that my child doesn't get bored, and the progressive difficulty helps build confidence. Educational Value: The math and reading comprehension sections are particularly strong, with clear explanations and plenty of practice problems. The writing prompts encourage creativity and critical thinking, while the science and social studies sections introduce interesting facts and concepts. I appreciate the inclusion of fitness activities, promoting a healthy lifestyle alongside academic learning. Flash Cards: The included flash cards are a wonderful bonus. They are durable, colorful, and perfect for quick review sessions. My child enjoys using them, and they make reinforcing concepts fun and interactive. Ease of Use: The workbook is user-friendly with clear instructions for both parents and kids. It's designed to be self-paced, which means my child can work independently or with minimal guidance. The answer key at the back is helpful for quick checks. Engagement: What sets this workbook apart is its ability to make learning enjoyable. The activities are engaging, and the themes are relevant and interesting. My child looks forward to workbook time each day, which is a huge win for any parent trying to prevent the summer slide. Overall, the "Summer Bridge Activities 2nd to 3rd Grade Workbook" is an excellent investment in your child's education. It's thorough, fun, and well-designed to keep young minds sharp over the summer. I highly recommend it to any parent looking to provide a balanced and enriching educational experience during the school break.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2024
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Cayman Carroll
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Good quality for price
Format: Paperback
This was a good book for the summer. It has a variety of activities so my child didn't get bored. It also has some fun "outside" only ideas to get them up and moving. It was a good bridge book that she could (mostly) do independently. However, as they progress through it, parents should be there to help and reiterate different concepts. It was well worth the price and helped the transition go smoothly.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2025

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