Thus Fortey begins Earth: An Intimate History, described by reviewers as «a tale
of high drama», «a treasure - house
of mind - expanding lore», «
enthralling», «a dazzling
voyage of discovery» - and that's just a small taste
of the glowing praise for Fortey, whom the Economist describes as «the Raymond Chandler
of science writing» and then goes on to say, «his prose is angelic, his phrases well - turned....