Richard A. Fortey - The Earth: an intimate history

It would have been impossible to write this book had I not been awarded the Collier Chair in the Public Understanding of Science and Technology at the University of Bristol for 2002. I am most grateful to the Institute of Advanced Studies, University of Bristol, and particularly Professor Bernard Silverman, for granting me time, and a quiet attic, to escape the hassles of my normal life. Karine Taylor, secretary to the Institute, was helpful in countless small ways which made my stay in Bristol a pleasure. I thank Paul Henderson of The Natural History Museum in London for facilitating my sabbatical leave at Bristol.

While researching the book I was compelled to explore parts of the geological column that are not my usual habitat, and to extend my expertise into new fields. I profited enormously from the generosity of several geologists who guided me over territory well-known to them, but novel to me. Geoff Milnes, and his daughter Ellen, were charming guides around the eastern Alps, and patiently tolerated my naive questions. Graham Park took me around the Northwest Highlands at a time of the year when most sensible people (even Scottish people) are sat round the fire with a hot toddy. Geoff and Graham also revised the appropriate parts of my manuscript, and corrected mistakes and misapprehensions. I need hardly add that any infelicities or inaccuracies that remain are entirely the responsibility of the writer. Several years ago, Dr. Ajit Varkar of Pune arranged my trip to the Deccan traps in northwestern India, negotiating with drivers and guides alike. I could not have completed this excursion without his help. Paul and Jodi Moore provided unstinting hospitality in Hawaii for me and my family, and were the best possible company in the tropical evenings (I hope they got the sand out of the carpet). I cannot thank them enough. Sam Gon helped me understand aspects of Hawaiian culture. Several colleagues generously gave me advice in return for no more than a free lunch. I may still owe one or two. I particularly thank Claudio Vita-Finzi and David Price of University College, London, for advice on the Bay of Naples, and the middle of the earth, respectively. Bernard Wood of the University of Bristol spent an afternoon showing me how rock samples can be crushed so hard as to change their character, which was invaluable for my chapter Deep Things. I also thank John Dewey, Tony Harris, David Gee, Bob Symes, Joe Cann, and my old Newfoundland friends for advice of one kind or another. Adrian Rushton and Derek Siveter provided moral support in the pub at times of crisis.

I am particularly indebted to Robin Cocks, John Cope and Heather Godwin, who read through the first version of the book, and made several suggestions for its improvement. Heather has always had a crucial role in my writing career, as an infallible arbiter of taste, and excisor of bad jokes. Arabella Pike at HarperCollins has proved again an enthusiastic and supportive editor, and her organisational skills ensured that the whole work came together.

I sincerely thank my wife, Jackie, for once again tolerating the writer at work, and, more specifically, for organising several of the field trips which comprise the core of the book. Jackie and my daughter, Rebecca, did much of the picture research for the colour plates.

Robert Francis provided me with many excellent photographs, which greatly enhanced the attractiveness of my natural history of the earth. I thank Ray Burrows for his skillful drawings. James Secord, Ted Nield, John Cope, David Gee, John Moorby, Jerry Ortner, Graham Park, and Geoff Milnes also provided illustrations, for which I am much indebted.