In Search of Ancient Oregon

A Geological and Natural History

By: Ellen Morris Bishop
Copyright 2003, hard cover, 288 pages
Book dimensions: 8.75" x 11.25"

Anyone interested in Oregon's natural history needs to add this book to his or her collection. According to author, geologist and photographer Ellen Morris Bishop, "every rock, even the most humble, tells a long story." Through the rocks, she vividly unravels Oregon's tale. That history began about 400 million years ago when Oregon's foundations lay far off the Idaho seacoast as tropical volcanic islands. At one time, the climate was warm enough for bananas and figs to grow. But gradually, the climate cooled and with that the animal and vegetation changed. Then came the Ice Age, the great floods, earthquakes and much more -- all creating the Oregon that we know today.

To quote writer Ursula K. Le Guin who reviewed the book, "Geology is the greatest story in the world, full of drama, tragedy, violence, and grandeur. … I'd like to give a copy of this book to everyone I know in Oregon with a note saying, 'Look! This is the wonderful ground beneath our feet!'"