Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth

Book Description

"A gleeful, poetic book…. Like the best natural histories, Dirt is a kind of prayer."—Los Angeles Times Book Review

"You are about to read a lot about dirt, which no one knows very much about." So begins the cult classic that brings mystery and magic to "that stuff that won't come off your collar."

John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Saint Phocas, Darwin, and Virgil parade through this thought-provoking work, taking their place next to the dung beetle, the compost heap, dowsing, historical farming, and the microscopic biota that till the soil. With fresh eyes and heartfelt reverence, William Bryant Logan variously observes, "There is glamour to the study of rock"; "The most mysterious place on Earth is right beneath our feet"; and "Dirt is the gift of each to all."

Whether Logan is traversing the far reaches of the cosmos or plowing through our planet's crust, his delightful, elegant, and surprisingly soulful meditations greatly enrich our concept of "dirt," that substance from which we all arise and to which we all must return.

Customer Reviews:

up and clean.......2007-10-03

certainly not "DOWN AND DIRTY". highly recommended, very informative

and it makes one appreciative of the earth (dirt)...

Exciting and Provocative!.......2005-08-26

A galaxy of stars! Dirt is unique, unlike any other book I've read. (Bill Logan tends to write books like that -- his new one, Oak: The Frame of Civilization, is also unlike anything I've read, including Dirt.) The essay format works well. Logan's writing is cogent, witty, at times poignant; his imagination is fantastic. Rousing and satisfying my curiosity, he asks intriguing questions, and in seeking answers follows paths I would not have thought of but am glad to be led down by such a brilliant, quirky, earthy guide. Technicalities of soil science and geology are illuminated by personal experience and reflection on spirituality, childhood dreams Ilike digging to China), and encounters with masters of human achievement. This book may be ten years old but it's still exciting and provocative. I'm pleased to hear it is to be the subject of a documentary film; I hope that will lead to a reprint of this book, which is long overdue.

Inspires passion for regeneration through soil........1997-12-17

I feel in love with this book. Bought it as a gift and had much trouble giving it up. What a beautiful testimony to the earthly process of life and death in which we all participate. Logan's cross-disciplinary commentary was heartfelt and informative. I have told everyone I know to read it. It is magnificent.

Liked it so much it's my #1 Christmas gift to others........1997-12-08

Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth by William Bryant Logan is an enlightening and heartening read for anyone who studies the earth in science or daily living. Although a few of the factoids are not quite correct (watch that logarithmic scale!), this book is full of fascinating science of the soil, surrounded by heartfelt prose. Logan makes earth-centered philosophy accessible to anyone who has ever had a gut feeling that the land is good. The religion of the soil he presents is unobtrusive, yet all-pervading. Read it and feel good.

Technical terminology is seemingly hidden within the prose........1997-10-13

Book Review "Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth" William Bryant Logan Riverhead Books © 1995 The Berkley Publishing Group New York Available in Paperback William Bryant Logan writes about a substance that most take for granted and choose not to learn about. Soil is all around and is the life sustaining substance. It should be treated with care and respect. Readers at once will feel at ease with the writing style employed by Logan. Technical terminology is seemingly hidden within the prose. Disguised so that it is does not intimidate the casual reader, yet it informs. The style makes this effort a must read for those who appreciate quality writing. One might not expect to find references to Jefferson, Emerson, Mary Magdalene, and Roger Williams along with a description of the efforts of the dung beetle and the earthworm. Yet, Logan is able to introduce us to "Compost Man" and George Perkins Marsh with equal ease and skill. Logan explains the origin of the word "dirt" [excrement from the Old Norse] and introduces us to the teeming vat of bacteria living within the soil. In the chapter titled The Soil of Graves, Logan describes in morbid detail the negative effects of embalming humans. This book would make a wonderful read for anyone interested in Geography, Earth Science or Environmental Science. I would encourage you to copy [with permission] portions for your class to read. All manner of resources on planet Earth are destined to become recycled: dirt to dirt. Money Back Guarantee: 1] Buy and read the book "Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth". 2] After reading the book, if you are not pleased with your purchase, return to the bookstore and ask for a full refund. 3] I don't guarantee that you will receive a refund, just that you have the right to ask.

Customer Reviews:

fantastic SF guide.......2004-02-10

To describe "Short Bike Rides in and around San Francisco" as a cycling book does it injustice. Sure, it succeeds in describing ways around and out of San Francisco, but does so much more. Even for someone who's never been on two wheels, the descriptions of the neighborhoods, their attractions and history, is worth the investment. I strongly recommend it, the best cycling guide book of its type I've read.

The one weakness is a lack of an index. You might read an excellent review, for example, of a burrito shop, but recalling on which ride that review occurred may turn into a serial search operation. Nevertheless, it still ranks as a 5-star on this rating scale. Virtually a must-read for all cyclists in SF.

Best book for cyclists without cars..........2001-03-18

San Francisco is a very "livable" city, especially without a car to worry or pay for. "Short Bike Rides..." suggests two dozen fun routes in and around the city that allow you to make the most of living here without a car. From the fastest way to get across town, to a wonderful rides in Marin and the East Bay I have ridden nearly all of these rides, and enjoyed them immensely. Not only are the directions and maps clear, but Kingman's comments are often very entertaining. There is also a handy supplement in the back listing public transportation contacts for taking your bike on BART, CalTrain etc.. Absolutely essential for any SF cyclist - commuter, weekend warrior, out of towner, tourist entertainer. And for less than $10 I have used this book 10x as much as any of the other rides books I have.

One note: I would assume Kingman is one hell of climber, since he does tend to downplay the physical effort required to climb the "hilly terrain" of some the rides.

SF + Bikes = Cool Beans!.......2000-04-03

This is my favorite bike rides book. It's an excellent read and lets you see the best of the city.

A great reference tool for any S.F. cyclist.......1999-07-03

Not only is Henry Kingman's book a great way for visitors to explore San Francisco by bicycle, it is also a handy reference guide for local cyclists looking for new or better routes. Every S.F. cyclist should have a copy.

Average customer rating:
Making a Nation: The United States and Its People, Volume Two (2 II): Prentice Hall Portfolio Edition
Jeanne; Cullather, Nick; Lewis, Jan Ellen; McGerr, Michael; Oakes, James Boydston
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OIRYFC

Average customer rating:
Making a Nation, Portfolio Edition, Volume II
Jeanne Boydston , Nick Cullather , Jan Lewis , Michael McGerr , and Jim Oakes
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Economic Policy & Development | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0131702637

Book Description

Guide to Effective Grant Writing: How to Write a Successful NIH Grant is written to help the 100,000+ post-graduate students and professionals who need to write effective proposals for grants. There is little or no formal teaching about the process of writing grants for NIH, and many grant applications are rejected due to poor writing and weak formulation of ideas. Procuring grant funding is the central key to survival for any academic researcher in the biological sciences; thus, being able to write a proposal that effectively illustrates one's ideas is essential. Covering all aspects of the proposal process, from the most basic questions about form and style to the task of seeking funding, this volume offers clear advice backed up with excellent examples. Included are a number of specimen proposals to help shed light on the important issues surrounding the writing of proposals. The Guide is a clear, straight-forward, and reader-friendly tool.
Guide to Effective Grant Writing: How to Write a Successful NIH Grant Writing is based on Dr. Yang's extensive experience serving on NIH grant review panels; it covers the common mistakes and problems he routinely witnesses while reviewing grants.

Customer Reviews:

Exactly what I needed........2007-10-02

Leave it to a guy at UCLA to write the perfect "how to" write a grant. Dr Yang's book was recommended by colleagues at UCLA, and they were right on the money. Very helpful for those of us not altogether familiar with the process. Unless you are an expert (in which case you would be writing your own book), this should be in your library.

Great quick read regarding NIH grant writing.......2007-05-27

This is a great, quick read that is clear and can help you focus on key topics in preparing an NIH grant. I particularly like the emphasis on clarity of writing and making an interesting story, instead of the usual drudgery. It is short enough that you can read it in one sitting, before sitting down to write. It is much less detailed than the Ogden book, "Research Proposals", with a different emphasis, on clarity of writing. If you are looking for a book for a class, I'd suggest Ogden. But if looking for a quick read for the novice to get them started the Yang book is great, due to its brevity and clarity.

Excellent, Excellent Book............2007-02-09

I have worked with the NIH for quite some time. I also worked at the University of Pittsburgh for more than 4 years doing research with the NIH. This is an indispensible book. It goes very well paired with "Government Funding and You". I'd highly suggest both books.

Kelli

A concise step-by-step guide on writing grants.......2006-06-05

This book is full of tips and hints how maximizing the impact of your ideas in a grant application. Examples of effective writing and lists of common pitfalls give concrete guidance on writing a grant that conveys your ideas in their best light. The author also explains the perspective of the grant reviewers who read and score your grant.

Guide To Effective Coaching: Principles and Practices with PowerWeb: Health & Human Performance

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Guide To Effective Coaching: Principles and Practices with PowerWeb: Health & Human Performance
Billie J Jones , L. Janet Wells , Rachael E Peters , and Dewayne J Johnson
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

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All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

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ASIN: 0072506040

Book Description

This text focuses on the tasks, responsiblities, and problems both personal and professional that a coach must address in order to perform his or her job. It is based on practical experience and grounded in sound theory about performance, management and relationships. It is designed for use in pre-service and in-service programs.

Learning and Teaching: Research-Based Methods (4th Edition)

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Learning and Teaching: Research-Based Methods (4th Edition)
Donald P. Kauchak , and Paul D. Eggen
Manufacturer: Allyn & Bacon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0205337570

The Effective Teaching of Biology (Effective Teacher Series)

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The Effective Teaching of Biology (Effective Teacher Series)
Chris R. Brown
Manufacturer: Longman Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Biology | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Guide to Effective Grant Writing: How to Write an Effective Nih Grant Application

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Guide to Effective Grant Writing: How to Write an Effective Nih Grant Application
Otto O. Yang
Manufacturer: Kluwer Academic Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Science for Kids | Education | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This book treats two problems simultaneously: sequential analytical consideration of nonlinear strain wave amplification and selection in wave guides and in a medium; demonstration of the use of even particular analytical solutions to nonintegrable equations in a design of numerical simulation of unsteady nonlinear wave processes. The text includes numerous detailed examples of the strain wave amplification and selection caused by the influence of an external medium, microstructure, moving point defects, and thermal phenomena. The main features of the book are: (1) nonlinear models of the strain wave evolution in a rod subjected by various dissipative/active factors; (2) an analytico-numerical approach for solutions to the governing nonlinear partial differential equations with dispersion and dissipation.

This book is essential for introducing readers in mechanics, mechanical engineering, and applied mathematics to the concept of long nonlinear strain wave in one-dimensional wave guides. It is also suitable for self-study by professionals in all areas of nonlinear physics.

Customer Reviews:

Tolstoy is too vast for such an anthology .......2005-09-18

This anthology contains some of the great writing of one of the greatest of all writers. In this sense it is invaluable.
But in another it seems to me to miss the mark.
For to break up ' War and Peace' and provide even some of the great passages is to miss the whole sense of the work which is in the presentation of a vast world, a flowing and moving world.
It is in this sense seems to me that Tolstoy is not quite suited for an anthology of this type, and that the reader who would give his attention to close to nine- hundred pages should do this to either one of the two great novels, 'War and Peace' or 'Anna Karenina'.

portable great reading.......2003-05-11

a very easy to carry around book of great works by tolstoy

A must read.......1999-04-03

A one in all book to read- I recommend it!!

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The Portable Tolstoy
Leo / John Bayley, editor Tolstoy
Manufacturer: Penguin, 1983
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J123UK

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