James B. Nardi
Oxford University Press, New York
2003, 223 pp.
Price: $35.00 (Hardcover).
ISBN: 0-19-513990-9

This is a delightful introductory guide to an environment that is so close and important to all of us, and yet so easily taken for granted. The book is divided into three parts: working partnerships, members of the soil community, and the gift of good earth.

Starting with a basic explanation of soil formation and the chemistry involved, Nardi presents the reader with a clear description of the intricate relationships between the organic and inorganic components that make up the soil ecosystem. In the 160 pages of part two, the variety of life in the soil is described logically from the simplest to the most complex. This is achieved with easy-to-read but scientifically accurate descriptions, together with superb illustrations.

For me it is the quality of the illustrations that really make this book appealing. I sat down with my five-year-old son, and we just could not stop turning the pages to see what was next! There are photographs, too, but they lack the clarity of the drawings.

In the third part, the author discusses the human factor, with respect to soil erosion, over-farming, and pollution, but balances this with the idea of composting. As in the rest of the book, his experience and background in teaching, with an appreciation for using simple experiments to stimulate the students’ interest in this subject, is apparent. The glossary is basic, but with the further reading section and a list of Web sites, the reader can easily track down more information on the topic of interest.

Overall, I liked this book and think that it is an excellent value for money. If you have young children or budding high-school biologists, or if you are a natural science teacher or a gardener, there is something here for you, but do not wait for Christmas. Buy it while the sun is shining so that you can start exploring!

Stephen Higgs
Department of Pathology
University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston, TX
American Entomologist
Vol. 49, No.3, Fall 2003