
The Story Of The Universe Volume 2 (of 4) : The Earth, Land and Sea
Restored Classics to Go EditionBy Esther SingletonLength12h 48m
About this audiobook
This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design. "The Story of the Universe," edited by Esther Singleton, offers a mesmerizing journey through Earth's formation and the geological marvels it encompasses. This richly illustrated volume, featuring contributions from esteemed scientists and authors, delves into diverse topics such as the Earth's crust, geological history, and the dynamic interactions between land, sea, and air. Each chapter presents a unique lens on the forces shaping our planet, providing an invaluable resource for those intrigued by the natural world.
Élisée Reclus, drawing on Laplace's groundbreaking theories, narrates the Earth's transformation from a gaseous entity to the solid structure we inhabit today. He details the creation of land, oceans, and atmospheric layers, underscoring the delicate equilibrium that supports life. Sir J. William Dawson expands on this by examining the Earth's crust, revealing how successive rock layers formed under water and influenced by erosion have captured the evolution of animal and plant life. By analyzing fossil remains, Dawson connects biological history with geological changes, crafting a timeline akin to archaeological discoveries.
G. Clarke Nuttall's "The Smell of Earth" explores the captivating scent of damp soil, attributed to the bacterium Cladothrix odorifera. This narrative highlights the intricate bonds between earth's aroma and its microbial life, inviting readers to appreciate the hidden complexities of nature. Meanwhile, in "Deserts," Reclus describes the vast Sahara, its varied topography, and the resilient life forms that thrive amidst its harsh conditions.
The text also examines atmospheric phenomena, such as monsoons and breezes, illustrating their cyclical nature and substantial impact on climate and human activity. These discussions, alongside insights into bodies of water and their ecosystems, reflect the scientific rigor and meticulous attention to detail that define this compelling exploration of Earth's geological and environmental intricacies.
Audiobook details
GenreScience and Nature
Length12 hrs 48 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateFeb 1, 2026
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
2THE STORY OF THE UNIVERSE
3ILLUSTRATIONS
4I.—THE EARTH’S CRUST
5FORMATION OF THE EARTH —Élisée Reclus
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6CLASSES OF ROCKS —Sir Charles Lyell
7GEOLOGICAL CHRONOLOGY —Sir J. William Dawson
8THE SILURIAN BEACH —Louis Agassiz
9CARBONIFEROUS PERIOD —Louis Figuier
10THE PALÆONTOLOGICAL HISTORY OF ANIMALS —Hugh Miller
11EUROPEAN AND ASIATIC DELUGES —Louis Figuier
12GLACIERS —Louis Agassiz
13VOLCANIC ACTION —Sir Archibald Geikie
14THOUGHTS ABOUT KRAKATOA —Sir Robert S. Ball
15VOLCANOES —Sir Archibald Geikie
16EARTHQUAKES —William Hughes
17MOUNTAINS —A. Keith Johnston
18LAKES—FRESH, SALT, AND BITTER —Sir Archibald Geikie
19UNDERGROUND WATER: SPRINGS, CAVES, RIVERS, AND LAKES —Élisée Reclus
20RIVERS —A. Keith Johnston
21SWAMPS AND MARSHES —Élisée Reclus
22LOWLAND PLAINS —William Hughes
23THE SMELL OF EARTH —G. Clarke Nuttall
24DESERTS —Élisée Reclus
25II.—THE SEA
26THE PRIMITIVE OCEAN —G. Hartwig
27THE FLOOR OF THE OCEAN —John James Wild
28CORAL FORMATIONS —Charles Darwin
29MAGNITUDE AND COLOR OF THE SEA —G. Hartwig
30TIDAL ACTION —Sir Robert S. Ball
31THE GULF STREAM —Lord Kelvin
32THE PHOSPHORESCENCE OF THE SEA —G. Hartwig
33THE SEASHORE —P. Martin Duncan
34III.—THE ATMOSPHERE
35THE OCEAN OF AIR —Agnes Giberne
36WEATHER —Sir Ralph Abercromby
37THE ROMANCE OF A RAINDROP —Arthur H. Bell
38THE RAINBOW —John Tyndall
39SNOW, HAIL, AND DEW —Alexander Buchan
40THE AURORA BOREALIS —Richard A. Proctor
41CLOUDS —D. Wilson Barker
42WINDS —William Hughes
43SQUALLS, WHIRLWINDS, AND TORNADOES —Sir Ralph Abercromby
44FOOTNOTES: