The Great Chain of History: William Buckland and the English School of Geology, by Nicolaas A. Rupke.

Abstract

This volume presents a provocative and intriguing view of nineteenth century geology in England. The author chooses William Buckland as the leader of the "English School of Geology" which he presents as actively opposing and competing with the "Scottish School of Geology." Admitting that no English School of Geology has previously been defined, the author states that "the notion of British Geology does not allow for a historiography which is finegrained enough to do justice to Buckland and his circle." He follows this statement with a lengthy and frequently tedious attempt to justify and document his thesis.