Dirt Book Summary

In 'Dirt', David R. Montgomery delves deep into the surprisingly vibrant life of soil, revealing it as much more than just earth beneath our feet. He uncovers the dire consequences of our neglect and mismanagement of this vital resource, highlighting its role in sustaining ecosystems and human civilization. With a blend of history, science, and personal narrative, Montgomery takes readers on a journey through the past, present, and future of dirt. As he advocates for sustainable practices, the reader is left questioning what they truly know about the ground we walk on. Will we heed the call to protect this precious foundation, or continue down a path of degradation?

By David R. Montgomery

Published: 2007

""We often forget that the soil beneath our feet is not just dirt, but a living, breathing ecosystem that sustains us and the planet.""

Book Review of Dirt

A rich mix of history, archaeology and geology, this engaging cultural history traces the role of soil's use and abuse and explores the compelling idea that people around the world are--and have long been--using up Earth's soil.

Similar books you might like →

Showing 8 of 27 similar books

Similar Book Recommendations →

Mike Phillips's Book Recommendations

Mike Phillips is a distinguished British author and journalist, best known for his groundbreaking crime fiction series featuring black detective Sam Dean. Born in Guyana and raised in London, Phillips has significantly contributed to the portrayal of black British experiences in literature. His debut novel, "Blood Rights," received critical acclaim and solidified his reputation as a formidable voice in crime writing. Beyond fiction, Phillips has also made substantial contributions to journalism and academia, notably co-authoring "Windrush: The Irresistible Rise of Multi-Racial Britain," which chronicles the experiences of Caribbean immigrants in the UK. His work has not only entertained but also provided profound social commentary, earning him a lasting place in contemporary British literature.

Memoirs and BiographiesInspiring ReadsSuccess Stories and Life LessonsActivist

Michael Pollan's Book Recommendations

Michael Pollan is a renowned American author and journalist, celebrated for his insightful explorations of food, agriculture, and human culture. His groundbreaking book, "The Omnivore's Dilemma," published in 2006, critically examines the complexities of the modern food industry and has become a seminal work in food studies. Pollan's engaging narrative style and thorough research have earned him a place on The New York Times Best Seller list multiple times. In addition to his literary contributions, he is also a professor of journalism at the University of California, Berkeley. Pollan's work continues to influence public discourse on sustainable eating and the ethical implications of food choices.

Health and NutritionInspiring ReadsMemoirs and Biographies

Hamilton Morris's Book Recommendations

Hamilton Morris is an American journalist, documentarian, and chemist renowned for his extensive work on psychoactive substances. He is best known for his series "Hamilton's Pharmacopeia," which explores the history, chemistry, and cultural impact of various psychoactive drugs. Morris has contributed significantly to the literature on ethnopharmacology, providing in-depth research and firsthand accounts that have enriched public understanding of these substances. His writings and documentaries have been featured in prominent publications such as Vice, Harper's Magazine, and National Geographic. An advocate for scientific rigor and cultural sensitivity, Hamilton Morris continues to influence both the scientific community and popular discourse on psychoactive substances.

Science and NatureWellness WisdomMindfulness

Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations

Lex Fridman is an artificial intelligence researcher, podcaster, and MIT professor, known for his work in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and deep learning. Fridman has gained widespread popularity through his podcast, Lex Fridman Podcast, where he interviews leading thinkers in science, technology, and philosophy, exploring topics like AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity. His academic work focuses on human-centered AI, aiming to create machines that can better understand and interact with humans. Fridman’s ability to distill complex topics into accessible conversations has earned him a large following, and his podcast is known for its thoughtful, in-depth discussions with some of the brightest minds of our time. He is also an advocate for the responsible development of AI, emphasizing the ethical implications of this rapidly advancing technology. Outside of academia and podcasting, Fridman is a practitioner of jiu-jitsu and frequently speaks about the importance of discipline and continuous learning.

Artificial IntelligenceTechnology and FutureMindfulness

Bret Victor's Book Recommendations

Bret Victor is a renowned American interface designer and computer scientist celebrated for his innovative contributions to interactive design and human-computer interaction. He is best known for creating dynamic, explorable explanations, which have significantly influenced the way educational content is presented and understood. Victor's seminal work, "Inventing on Principle," advocates for the integration of immediate feedback in creative processes, inspiring a new wave of interactive programming environments. As a former member of the Apple Human Interface team, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern user interfaces. Through his organization, Dynamicland, Victor continues to explore and expand the boundaries of immersive, collaborative computing environments.

Creativity and InnovationTechnology and FutureEducation

Marc Andreessen's Book Recommendations

Marc Andreessen is an American entrepreneur, software engineer, and venture capitalist, best known for co-creating the Mosaic web browser, the first widely-used web browser, and co-founding Netscape. Andreessen is also the co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, one of Silicon Valley’s most prominent venture capital firms, where he invests in groundbreaking technology companies like Facebook, Airbnb, and Coinbase. He is a thought leader on the impact of technology and innovation, often sharing his views on the future of the internet and startups. His contributions to the development of the web and the tech ecosystem have made him one of the most influential figures in technology.

Technology and FutureBusiness and Leadership

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

PoliticsMemoirs and BiographiesSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Jamie Dimon's Book Recommendations

Jamie Dimon is an American business executive, best known as the Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, one of the largest and most influential financial institutions in the world. Dimon has led JPMorgan through multiple economic crises, including the 2008 financial crash, and has consistently been recognized for his leadership in the banking industry. Under his tenure, JPMorgan has grown into a global financial powerhouse, focusing on innovation and sustainability. Dimon is also an advocate for corporate responsibility and frequently speaks on economic and regulatory issues. His leadership style and strategic insights have earned him widespread respect in the business world.

Business and LeadershipSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Showing 8 of 20 related collections

"We often forget that the soil beneath our feet is not just dirt, but a living, breathing ecosystem that sustains us and the planet."

Dirt

By David R. Montgomery