'We will all have our favourite Scottish volcanoes and there really is something in this book for everyone. But it will be welcomed in particular by students at all levels and by amateur geologists such as those who read The Edinburgh Geologist. They will learn so much about all the fascinating volcanic relics that we are fortunate to have in Scotland, will clarify their understanding of volcanic and magmatic processes in general and, above all, will thoroughly enjoy reading an undoubted masterpiece.' The Edinburgh Geologist'This is a well-produced book, 240mm x 160m and 20mm thick, but quite heavy so you probably wouldnt carry it in your ruck- sack! Printed on shiny paper, reading some of the diagrams can be a bit tricky in certain light.The book comprises 12 chapters, a bibliography and an index. I thought that having no glossary would be a problem, but technical terms are explained at least once within the text. They can be found in the index, though you then have to turn to the particular page for definitions just a niggle really. The first four chapters give an introduction as to what to expect from the book: information on how volcanoes form, plate tectonics, geologic time, mantle plumes, magmas, pyroclastics, lava and igneous rocks. I found these chapters a really good revision of basics, with some new information too. Upton uses modern analogies too. There are lots of diagrams, although references to them are sometimes not as clear as they might be. The photos are generally of good quality.The next seven chapters go into detail about the various volcanoes that have formed in Scotland. And this is where the book becomes somewhat unusual (which Brian Upton admits!). He takes the formation of the various igneous centres chronologically, but from the most recent backwards. This is not something I am used to I tend to think in terms of old-to- young, in geological chronology, not vice versa. Also, when making something, you usually start at the beginning not the end. However, his point is that there is more evidence available from the most recent volcanoes about their formation and history. He then applies this to the more limited evidence of the older areas, imagining what might have happened, say, in the Devonian, while pointing out that it is informed guesswork and that we will probably never know: so much time, so much erosion, so little left! There is a comprehensive section on the Edinburgh volcanics, with very specific examples. Chapter 11 concerning the Pre-Cambrian is particularly fascinating, and shows the information available through geochemical analysis. Chapter 12 contains a summary. In a nutshell, Scotland is a graveyard of volcanoes.The book took very careful reading. Rereading of some sections was needed, as the story is very complicated I think I knew it was, but not quite that complicated. While this is a serious book, Brian Uptons style includes the colloquial and he does add humour on occasions (but Ill leave the reader to find these!).Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I think it would be a valuable addition to your bookshelf, especially if you are interested in Scottish geology. I will take it with me every time I am in Scotland, albeit not in my rucksack.' Proceedings of the OUGS
