Principles of Geology

By Sir Charles Lyell,

Book cover of Principles of Geology

Book description

One of the key works in the nineteenth-century battle between science and Scripture, Charles Lyell's Principles of Geology (1830-33) sought to explain the geological state of the modern Earth by considering the long-term effects of observable natural phenomena. Written with clarity and a dazzling intellectual passion, it is both a…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Principles of Geology as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Lyell’s Principles, though published almost 190 years ago, is a masterful argument for the veracity of deep time. Drawing on his skills as a lawyer as much as his scientific perceptions, Lyell lays out the case for the power of gradual processes operating over vast expanses of time to change the face of our planet. His lucid, compelling case that “the present is key to the past” greatly influenced many subsequent discoveries, including Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. And, happily, various editions are freely available in facsimile on the web.

From Robert's list on planet Earth.

Want books like Principles of Geology?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Principles of Geology.

Browse books like Principles of Geology

Book cover of Understanding Earth
Book cover of Life on a Young Planet: The First Three Billion Years of Evolution on Earth
Book cover of The Emerald Planet: How Plants Changed Earth's History

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,187

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in geology, Charles Darwin, and earth?

Geology 53 books
Charles Darwin 57 books
Earth 315 books