"Hutton's Arse" is a science book that describes modern geological science and illustrates theories using spectacular locations across the Northern Highlands of Scotland.

2008-06-15 Where science writing should go

I've enjoyed this book immensely since I found it in a little shop in Gairloch. Its compelling title drew me in and as soon as I saw Scotland's geology was being discussed with that of the Moon and Mars, I knew Rider was on the right track. At times, Rider leans a bit heavily on the terms and expressions he knows so well from his geology background and gentler guidance for the reader would help get some of the finer points of geology across. I also could have done without the rants about wind farms. They seemed so out of place in such a good book. Nevertheless, Rider ably mixes fine storytelling of a human dimension with the awe of Earth's history and context in the Solar System.

Well done, Malcolm Rider. Your book is a gem.