Over the Mountains (An Aerial View of Geology)

I am not trained as a geologist, but have an innate and passionate love for mountains. I ordered a copy of this book for a gift, and its arrival in a slightly damaged condition (purchased directly from Amazon.com) was a real disappointment. For years I have ordered books with confidence from Amazon.com, knowing that each will be packaged in the following way: on a piece of cardboard cut to fit the inside length x width of the box, then shrink-wrapped to the cardboard, then placed inside the box and filled with either 'air-bags' or scrunched-up paper. This was my first other-than-stellar experience, which was the result of placing a lovely new hardcover book in its dustjacket in a box, loose, then adding a bit of scrunched-up paper, sealing the box and shipping it -- leaving the book to slip and slide around within the box, bumping the corners, tearing and scuffing the dustjacket. My discomfiture was immediately shared with Amazon.com, which replaced the book ASAP: but in the same manner of packing the book, producing the same damaged results. This in no way diminishes the awesome contents of the book, which prompts my review title: Encore, encore! I cannot thank the author enough, or better compliment his effort other than to request that he compile another such gem of photography and knowledge of aerial geology. It is with deep gratitude that I offer Amazon.com readers this review, in hopes that it will help Amazon.com to: 1. continue offering fine books at reasonable prices; and 2. return to its previous excellent manner of packing books, so as to minimize damage to such precious books. I alerted the gift recipient of the condition in which to expect her book, and kept the replacement for myself. We are both delighted with our books!

This ia a magnificent new book on aerial geology of the United States by Dr. Michael Collier. He is trained as a structural geologist (MS, Stanford University), a private pilot with his own Cessna 180, and is a practicing physician in Flagstaff, Arizona. This book has a broad appeal to the general public (as a beautiful folio with scenic geology), and to professional geologists alike. The book contains dramatically new views of mountains that are familiar to most hikers and mountaineers (e.g., Mount Whitney, Mount Baker, Denali, the Grand Teton)---- but the aerial view direction is startling and thrilling to behold. Collier's book is highly recommended. The quality of the color plates is quite good, and the book is reasonably priced. It takes a place on my shelf of geology field books next to John Shelton's classic book, Geology Illustrated. Indeed, Shelton has written the forward to Collier's book. Robert H. Sydnor, geologist, Fair Oaks, California

Most of the picture seemed to bee similar. Not as spectacular as I had envisioned

Collier can take pride in his rare excellence of production. He has obviously been at the right place at the right time, as the lighting in these photographs is exquisite. Even though it appears that the color may have been slightly enhanced... you still need the content for a great photograph. Viewing the formations from above puts everything you have read geolocically into perspective. Collier's photographs introduce you to visuals of the tumultuous geological history of the mountainous regions of approximately eleven states. The text is a great read as well. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves geology and photography.

I have a number of Collier's titles, which are excellent.. the aerial perspective is unique and a great way to interpret geology from a viewpoint and perspective few get to have. Always a pleasure to enjoy a Collier book!

It was a gift I purchased for someone else. It didn't get here in time for Christmas as promised, even though tracking showed it had arrived in my city well enough before Christmas. So I think the break down in delivery was local. Person recieving gift seems pleased with the book

In the interests of honest disclosure, the author is a former student of many years back [I'm a retired geology prof]. Michael has enormous gifts both in aerial photography and in making geologic ideas come alive for the curious reader. A wonderful addition to anyone who cares about planet Earth.

I am a nurd.

Not a very long book, or one you would sit down to read end to end, but as a coffee table book to pick up and browse, this is excellent. The quality of the images of the geological formations and mountains from across the US are stunning, and the accompanying explanations are simple, but also have the right amount of detail to give context to the images. Loved it.

All is well

Perfect present