The Incomparable Valley: A Geologic Interpretation of the Yosemite

By François E. Matthes

Book Overview

Geological research of Francois Mathes of the Yosemite Valley. Includes 24 photos by Ansel Adams. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0520008278
• ISBN13: 9780520008274
• Release Date: July 1950
• Publisher: University of California Press
• Length: 173 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 0.5" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

My favorite "layman's" Sierra Nevada geology book

I love this book. Of the many "layman geology" books about the Sierras that I've read, Matthes's is my favorite. I think I understand why. The book was published around 1950 by the University of California Press, shortly after Matthes's untimely death. Plate tectonics was not universally accepted at that time, so conspicuously absent from this book is the 20 pages of basic Plate Tectonics that distract the other books. Matthes instead focuses on the fascinating glacial morphology of the Yosemite region. In my mind, the book's biggest treats are the 30+ black-and-white photographic plates, including 25 by Ansel Adams. I love to see Matthes place some Adams classics in their geologic context. In summary, this book is easy-flowing, highly informative, and visually pleasing.