Poems on Geology, Metals, Minerals, and Mining: For the Love of Rocks

Much past Canadian poetry described our people and landscape in lyrical terms. Combining research and wonder, this book looks farther and burrows deeper—our first collection of poems devoted exclusively to geology and mining. Quite literally, it goes underground. From volcanoes to vitamins, the book presents a wealth of factual information. It also explores past, more fanciful notions about how rocks, metals, and minerals fit into the human picture. In its pages, knowledge and imagination meet. The brief poetic Prologue poses the question Why to create such a book at all. Part I sharpens the focus, introducing a little basic geology. Part II explores the seven metals of the ancients, linked to the planets and days of the week, plus platinum and uranium. Part III delves into myths and legends about the power of gemstones. Part IV looks at the history and technology of mining, and its social and economic impact. A helpful glossary concludes this unique book that brings science and poetry together. Read more