Book review

(From 'Charnia' Newsletter, Winter 2003/4)

The Geology of the East Midlands. Geologists’ Association Guide No. 63. Compiled by Albert Horton & Peter Gutteridge. £11.00. Available from the Association or the East Midlands Geological Society.

This field guide has been a long time gestating. I can remember sitting on the Council of the EMGS in 1997 when we were told, ‘publication was anticipated soon’. But I must say that the wait has been worthwhile, and this most useful publication is a fine achievement, and congratulations are in order for the authors and compilers. It is possible that some of the topography and access details, particularly regarding the quarries, have changed in the interim since the authors made their surveys prior to writing their chapters, but a little checking prior to undertaking these field excursions should solve that problem. The format is a soft covered A5 book of some 129pp, with a pleasing coloured front cover showing a stone-hewn tunnel in Nottingham, and photos on the rear of scenes in Derbyshire and Bradgate Park. The book is split into three parts, each prefaced by a most useful chapter setting the geological scene for a particular section of the column, compiled in stratigraphical order from the Pre-Cambrian to the Middle Jurassic. Thus, the order of the book is natural and organic. Within each of the three parts is a selection of excursions selected to show the best of the geology that can be seen in the field. The itineraries are clear and easy to follow and well-supported by concise and uncluttered diagrams and illustrations. No-one should get lost!

One can have few gripes with this excursion guide, and errors are minimal. However, beware of the run-on from page 82 to 83, as there is clearly missing or displaced text. Coverage of East Midlands geology is admirable, but on a personal note, I regretted the omission of a chapter or at least one excursion dedicated to the Quaternary, particularly the glacial and fluviatile deposits, and perhaps the otherwise excellent Pre-Cambrian section would have been enhanced by the inclusion of an itinerary which took in the granite of Mountsorrel. As a Late Triassic/Early Jurassic enthusiast, I looked in vain for much on my favourite Penarth Group (Rhaetian) sediments. However, I am only too well aware of how little of that fascinating short sequence of rocks appears at the surface!

 All in all, a very welcome addition to the geological literature on East Midlands geology, and a credit to all concerned. Buy it!

Andrew Swift