The Making of the Geological Society of London - 9781862392779

Lewis, chairman of the History of Geology Group (HOGG) and Knell (museum studies, University of Leicester) present an overview of the first two hundred years of the London Geological Society. Several of the articles cover the personalities of the men who founded it, before geology was a recognized discipline. Others chronicle the development of geological societies in Europe, North America and Australia. The role of the society within larger social movements is noted, particularly during the Napoleonic wars. The articles all stress the human element in the growth of the Society, touching on individual careers and the inevitable clashes of ego among members. The first women admitted as members in 1919 are listed with brief biographies. An appendix reprints the first newsletter of the group, illustrating how much has been learned over the past two centuries. The final section, on the festivities surrounding the bicentennial, shows that geologists have a sense of fun as well as history. Even for those who know little about the field, this is an enjoyable and informative look at the people who established geology in Britain. Distributed in the US by The Geological Society. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)