ERMS maintains its own library that members can borrow from which helps when trying to learn more about geology, rocks, minerals, fossils, volcanos and other related areas. The library contains a range of books from introductory to technical; something for everyone.
Both Shenfield and Stanway have libraries and members can view the books that are available for loan. They can also ‘order’ a book from another venue if they don’t attend meetings there. This can be done by emailing library@erms.org
Below is a pictorial selection with descriptions of some of the latest books which you can scroll through This list will be regularly updated so keep looking.
To view the full selection of books, click on the Shenfield and Stanway links below which take you to a PDF list of available books, or on the following page are searchable lists.
To borrow a book, please show the librarian or committee member the book/ books you would like borrow and sign the library register leaving your name, date and books borrowed. Do the same in reverse, when you bring them back.
Books may be borrowed for 2 months maximum after which we ask that you return them to the venue you borrowed from. Please ensure, either the librarian or a committee member has signed the book back in. An extension can be arranged by emailing library@erms.org
If you read a book it would be very helpful if you can leave a review by emailing library@erms.org
Beneath the Skin of The Lizard robin Bates & Bill Scolding
A fantastic booklet which firstly explains the origins of the Lizard Peninsula. It then explores seven areas of the Lizard explaining the rocks and the geology of each section. The journey will help you piece together the story of how the Lizard was pushed up from deep inside the Earth over 350 million years ago. Culminating with an overview of the rocks found on the Lizard. An unbelievable amount of information in 34 pages.
Introducing Tectonics, Rock Structures and Mountain Belts Second Edition Graham Park
The application of plate tectonic theory has revolutionised structural geology by giving the study of rock structures a context in which they can be explained. Since the large-scale movements of the plates ultimately control smaller-scale structures, the study of tectonics is the key to understanding the latter.
The book is complemented with lots of illustrations and a fine glossary.
Introducing Metamorphism Ian Sanders
Metamorphic rocks are one of the three main types of rock. Originally comprising of either igneous or sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks are the product of change by heat and pressure. Ian Sanders explains how rocks change during metamorphic processes. He discusses the role of water in metamorphism and describes the different settings in which it takes place, including the roots of mountain ranges, the hot surroundings of igneous intrusions, and the impact sites of giant meteorites.
Copiously illustrated and provides a clear understanding of metamorphic processes.
A glossary explains technical terms used.
Introducing Sedimentology Stuart Jones Second Edition
70% of the rocks on the Earth’s surface are sedimentary in origin. Introducing Sedimentology covers all the rudimentary aspects of sedimentology including different types of sedimentary rocks, sedimentary structures, and environments of deposition of sediments.
It is generously illustrated with many explanatory diagrams and photographs.
A glossary explains technical terms used.
Introducing Geomorphology Second Edition Adrian Harvey
Geomorphology is the study of the earth’s landforms and the processes that made the landscape look the way it does today. What we see when we look at a scenic view is the result of the interplay of the forces that shape the earth’s surface. These operate on many different timescales and involve geological as well as climatic forces.
It is a great introduction to natural landforms.
The glossary explains the technical terms used.
The BRITICE Map
Particularly useful for those members who missed the talk at Shenfield on 6th February about The Rise and Fall of the British/Irish Ice Sheet. This A0 size map has been produced by Sheffield University’s BRITICE project. It is the result of the huge amount of fascinating evidential data gathered during Chris Clarke and his team’s research.
The aim of the BRITICE project is to bring together published information regarding the geomorphology (landforms) of the last British-Irish ice sheet.
“Around 22,000 years ago an ice sheet, kilometres thick, covered most of Britain and Ireland. Its weight and movement shaped our landscape, leaving behind glacial landforms. These tell us how the ice sheet began, flowed, oscillated and retreated.”
An interactive map can be found on the www.briticemap.org website and the link to the University of Sheffield’s BRITICE website www.sheffield.ac.uk/geography/research/projects/britice gives a wealth of information.
Essex Rock Gerald Lucy
The original book published by the ERMS is a great introduction to the changes which have taken place in Essex over the last 100 million years.
The book describes the geology of Essex from the deeply buried Palaeozoic rocks to the soft sands and clays of the Ice Age. Along the way are stories of famous Essex fossils and what they tell us about the evolution of our climate and landscape. The Chalk, the London Clay and the Red Crag are all described but the Ice Age has been given particular attention as very few members of the public will know that Essex was once covered by an ice sheet or that the Thames once flowed through Chelmsford.
If you enjoy it and are interested in learning more there is a new updated version available to purchase in our resources book section.
The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs Steve Brusatte
An engrossing story of how dinosaurs rose to dominate the planet, using the fossil clues that have been gathered using state of the art technology. Steve Brusatte, one of the world’s leading palaeontologists, follows these magnificent creatures from the Early Triassic period at the start of their evolution, through the Jurassic period to their final days in the Cretaceous.
Along the way, Brusatte gives an insight into what it’s like to be a palaeontologist whose job it is to hunt for dinosaurs. He offers thrilling accounts of some of the remarkable discoveries he has made, including primitive human-sized tyrannosaurs, monstrous carnivores even larger than T. rex, and feathered raptor dinosaurs preserved in lava from China.
The Rise and Reign of The Mammals Steve Brusatte
Steve Brusatte weaves together the history and evolution of our mammal forebears.
The passing of the age of the dinosaurs allowed mammals to become ascendant. Mammals have a much deeper history and mammal roots lie even further back, some 325 million years.
Over these immense stretches of geological time, mammals developed their trademark features: hair, keen senses of smell and hearing, big brains and sharp intelligence, fast growth and warm-blooded metabolism, a distinctive line-up of teeth (canines, incisors, premolars, molars), mammary glands that mothers use to nourish their babies with milk, qualities that have underlain their success story. Out of this long and rich evolutionary history came the mammals of today, including our own species and our closest cousins.
The Dinosaurs Rediscovered Michael J. Benton
Over the past twenty years, the study of dinosaurs has transformed as new technologies have revealed secrets locked in prehistoric bones that no one could have previously predicted.
Michael J. Benton gathers together all of the latest paleontological evidence, tracing the transformation of dinosaur study from its roots in antiquated natural history to an indisputably scientific field. This book explores how dinosaur remains are found and excavated, and how palaeontologists’ read the details of dinosaurs’ lives from their fossils—their colours, their growth, the force of their bite, their top speeds, and even how they cared for their young.
The Planet in a Pebble Jan Zalasiewicz
Tells the story of the history of the Earth’s past from a single pebble.
Provides insights into how geologists reach deep into the Earth’s past by forensic analysis of the mineral matter.
Demonstrates how a simple object can contain evidence of many phenomena; of vanished oceans, ancient climate extinct life-forms, the cooling of magma underground, and the building of mountain belts.
The Geology of Britain an Introduction Peter Toghill
This book is a geological history of Britain from over 2,000 million years ago to the present day and describes the large variety of rocks, minerals and fossils that form this island. The book is well-illustrated with photographs, diagrams and maps
An introductory chapter covers the fundamental principles of geology and plate tectonics is used to explain the geological processes which have built Britain.
Further chapters describe the rocks, minerals and fossils of the recognized periods of geological time, and the areas where they are found today.
This book is a great introduction for a person new to the subject but also includes a wealth of information for all levels.
A Story in Stone
The Geology of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History Building By Nina Morgan and Philip Powell
Highlights the geology on show throughout the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, and provides an introduction to geology that anyone can enjoy.
Detailing the 13 stones used on the exterior, other places to see each stone and the composition of the stone; from the Jurassic limestones that foot the front door to the alternating blue and green slates at the top of the swift tower.
Inside there are 127 polished columns that are a collection of decorative and building stones from the UK and Ireland, stretching from Land’s End to Aberdeen, County Cork to East Anglia, and the Dalradian to the Cretaceous. Details of the stone, other places to see the stone and composition are explained. Brilliant detailed coloured photographs throughout.
Volcanoes
Susanna Van Rose & Ian F. Mercer
This book explains what volcanoes are and how they erupt with stories of some famous eruptions. Has superb photos and illustrations. Covers Lava flows, Volcanic gas, Pyroclastic flows, Plate Tectonics and much more.
Gemstones
Cally Oldershaw, Christine Woodward & Roger Harding
Explores the nature of gems from the popular to the lesser known. It describes how gem minerals form, where they are found and mined and how they are identified. Richly illustrated in colour throughout.
Crystals By Ian Mercer
Provides an introduction to the world of crystals. It examines the structure of the molecules that make them crystalline, how they grow and survive as well as examining the many uses of crystalline materials, domestically, in industry and in science and technology.