With over 200 college and university adoptions, Stephen Marshak's Earth: Portrait of a Planet has quickly become the leading introductory geology text. Now, W. W. Norton and Company is proud to announce Essentials of Geology--an abridged version of Earth: Portrait of a Planet for courses that require a shorter book. Retaining Earth's engaging writing style and spectacular art, as well as Professor Marshak's precise, modern treatment of the earth sciences, Essentials of Geology is sure to be met with enthusiastic praise from both students and teachers alike.