Geologic History of the Yosemite Valley

Publication Year: 1932.

Geologic History of the Yosemite Valley, by François E. Matthes. Washington, Government Printing Office, 1930. U. S. Geol. Survey Professional Paper 160. $1.10.

This long-awaited monograph on the Yosemite Valley sets forth the evolution of the valley in language understandable by the layman as well as by the specialist.

The work, which has resulted in this interesting publication, was undertaken by the Geological Survey as a result of a general and popular demand voiced by the Sierra Club for a complete and readable story of this masterpiece of nature. The field-work, which was commenced in 1913, has led the author over a large part of the Sierra and as a result he does not need to limit himself narrowly to the Yosemite Valley but draws upon other localities further afield for illustration. The natural consequence of this, combined with a fluent style, is a most interesting and readable account.

The author’s researches on the glaciation of the Sierra are noteworthy and will make this paper a source work and standard of comparison for many years to come.

The book is abundantly illustrated with many fine halftones and sketches and is provided with a number of maps for reference. An appendix contains a study of the granitic rocks of the region, contributed by F. C. Calkins.

Every lover of the mountains as well as every lover of the Yosemite will desire a copy of this excellent monograph among his books and it is well worth the price charged.

K. A. H.