Rocks from Space: Meteorites and Meteorite Hunters (Astronomy)

Rating:
Summary: Why Not Find The Time To Look For Meteorites?
Review: Here's the book you'll need to take along, as meteorites are much easier to find when you know their characteristics and the places where they stand out from other rocks. I've held onto my own copy of Rocks From Space for some time, although I have not gone out hunting for meteorites yet, because this is the book that entices me to make time for it. There are a lot of good quality photographs printed here on slick magazine paper, and some are in color. The book is what it's supposed to be, but if I was going to improve it for someone planning to pack it for a hike across the Utah salt flats, I would suggest that the next edition be on a lighter weight paper. This guide fills you in on the famous meteors (In the sky) and meteorites (Striking the earth) which fell in earth's recorded history. These are great fun to learn about, as there's nothing like a surprise from outer space to brighten up everyone's day. And while meteorites can even impress us as being pretty weird in the modern era, wait until you read about the one that fell in Alsace, France in 1492. It drew so much curiosity and awe that even King Maximilian of Germany came to see it. Many people took souvenir pieces from it over the centuries, but its last 122 pounds are protected by being in a local museum. Another fall Norton records came in 1992, when a car belonging to a young lady was struck. Excited collectors soon made generous offers for both the car and the meteorite. Not too long ago an old meteorite from Mars was sliced open to reveal what many scientists suspect is evidence of past life on that planet. The possibility was considered strong enough that it prompted President Clinton to go on national television to announce it; so if you use this book, you may even help confirm one of the greatest mysteries of all time.

Rating:
Summary: A fine basic review of a little known field
Review: My primary interest in the area of meteoritics is impact strucures. This book offers a fair discussion of that field, but is primarily concerned with meteorites and those who hunt, collect, and sell them. In these respects, Norton's presentation is unparalleled. The book is an easy, enjoyable read and may be perused by persons with no background in meteoritics. The biographical sketches of Ninenger and Haag alone give unique worth to the book.
The only real reservation keeping this book from a five star rating is its Apprndix C, listing suspected impact craters. Several of the listed items appear nowhere else in the impact literature I have reviewed and the listed size of many features varies from other calculations. But, then, I should do so good.

Rating:
Summary: A great book for the beginner and advanced
Review: This is a great book on Meteorites. Lots of pictures and very well written. Easy to understand and lots of technical information also. Highly recommended!!!