Dirt

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.""

DirtBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

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.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from Dirt

About the Author

D

David R. Montgomery

David R. Montgomery is an acclaimed author and geomorphologist, recognized for his contributions to the understanding of the Earth's landscapes and the processes that shape them. He has authored several notable works, including 'Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations,' 'The Hidden Half of Nature,' and 'Growing a Revolution.' Montgomery's writing style is characterized by a blend of scientific rigor and engaging narrative, making complex environmental topics accessible to a broad audience. His work often emphasizes the interplay between human activities and geological processes, advocating for sustainable practices that reconnect people with the land.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
David R. Montgomery
Published
May 2007
Publisher
Univ of California Press
ISBN
0520248708
Language
English
Pages
296
Genres
HistoryCultural HistoryScience and NatureEnvironmental Science

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies (20th Anniversary Edition)Book binding

Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies (20th Anniversary Edition)

Jared Diamond

Guns, Germs, and SteelBook binding

Guns, Germs, and Steel

Jared Diamond

The StandBook binding

The Stand

Stephen King

The Cosmic SerpentBook binding

The Cosmic Serpent

Jeremy Narby

Why Buddhism is TrueBook binding

Why Buddhism is True

Robert Wright

Modern Engineering for Design of Liquid-propellant Rocket EnginesBook binding

Modern Engineering for Design of Liquid-propellant Rocket Engines

Dieter K. Huzel, David H. Huang, Harry Arbit

Work Rules!Book binding

Work Rules!

Laszlo Bock

Drop the BallBook binding

Drop the Ball

Tiffany Dufu

The Last Lion Box SetBook binding

The Last Lion Box Set

William Manchester, Paul Reid

What School Could BeBook binding

What School Could Be

Ted Dintersmith

How to Destroy America in Three Easy StepsBook binding

How to Destroy America in Three Easy Steps

Ben Shapiro

Maa - Sahityapedia Kavya Sangrah - Vol-2Book binding

Maa - Sahityapedia Kavya Sangrah - Vol-2

Antoine de Saint- Exupery

Tess of the D'UrbervillesBook binding

Tess of the D'Urbervilles

Thomas Hardy

The Evolution of BeautyBook binding

The Evolution of Beauty

Richard O. Prum

Changes in the Land, Revised EditionBook binding

Changes in the Land, Revised Edition

William Cronon

A History of the World in 100 ObjectsBook binding

A History of the World in 100 Objects

Neil MacGregor

The Merck Manual Home Health HandbookBook binding

The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook

Robert S Porter, MD

A History of World AgricultureBook binding

A History of World Agriculture

Marcel Mazoyer, Laurence Roudart

The DanceBook binding

The Dance

Oriah

The StrangerBook binding

The Stranger

Albert Camus

The Doctor and the SoulBook binding

The Doctor and the Soul

Cultural AmnesiaBook binding

Cultural Amnesia

Clive James

Essential EnneagramBook binding

Essential Enneagram

David Daniels, Virginia Price

Idea MakersBook binding

Idea Makers

Stephen Wolfram

InvariancesBook binding

Invariances

Robert Nozick

EdisonBook binding

Edison

Matthew Josephson

Hannah Versus the TreeBook binding

Hannah Versus the Tree

Leland De la Durantaye

Mortal Questions (Canto Classics)Book binding

Mortal Questions (Canto Classics)

Thomas Nagel

BoundariesBook binding

Boundaries

Henry Cloud, John Townsend

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Daniel Pink's Book Recommendations

Daniel Pink's Book Recommendations

Daniel Pink is a renowned American author known for his groundbreaking work in the fields of business, work, and behavior. He has penned several bestselling books, including "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us," which explores the science of motivation and has been translated into over 30 languages. Pink's "A Whole New Mind" and "To Sell is Human" have also received critical acclaim, cementing his reputation as a thought leader. His insightful TED Talks and frequent contributions to major publications further amplify his influence. Pink's work has significantly shaped contemporary understanding of motivation, creativity, and the modern workplace.

View Collection
Michael Pollan's Book Recommendations

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.

View Collection
Bret Victor's Book Recommendations

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.

View Collection
Anna Kendrick's Book Recommendations

Anna Kendrick's Book Recommendations

Anna Kendrick is an acclaimed actress and author, best known for her versatile performances in film and theater. She gained widespread recognition for her role in the "Twilight" series and earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in "Up in the Air." In 2016, Kendrick expanded her creative repertoire by publishing her memoir, "Scrappy Little Nobody," which offers a candid, humorous look at her life and career. The book became a New York Times bestseller, showcasing her sharp wit and storytelling talent. Kendrick continues to influence both the entertainment and literary worlds with her engaging presence and authentic voice.

View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

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.

View Collection
Morgan Housel's Book Recommendations

Morgan Housel's Book Recommendations

Morgan Housel is a financial writer and partner at The Collaborative Fund, best known for his book The Psychology of Money. His work explores the behavioral side of finance, emphasizing how emotions, history, and decision-making impact wealth-building. Housel’s writing is widely praised for being accessible, insightful, and engaging, making complex financial topics easier to understand. He contributes regularly to financial publications and speaks at conferences on the power of long-term thinking in finance. His book has become a modern classic in the personal finance genre.

View Collection
Nassim Nicholas Taleb's Book Recommendations

Nassim Nicholas Taleb's Book Recommendations

Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a Lebanese-American author, scholar, and risk analyst, best known for his work on uncertainty, probability, and risk. His books, including The Black Swan and Antifragile, explore how rare and unpredictable events shape the world and how individuals and systems can become more resilient to shocks. Taleb’s insights on risk management have influenced fields ranging from finance to medicine, and he is known for his outspoken criticism of conventional wisdom. His ideas about randomness, decision-making, and the limitations of human knowledge have made him a leading thinker in modern economics and philosophy.

View Collection
Jamie Dimon's Book Recommendations

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.

View Collection
David Sinclair's Book Recommendations

David Sinclair's Book Recommendations

David Sinclair is an Australian biologist and professor at Harvard Medical School, known for his pioneering research in the field of aging and longevity. Sinclair's work focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms that drive aging and developing interventions to slow or reverse the process. His bestselling book Lifespan: Why We Age – and Why We Don’t Have To explores the latest advancements in anti-aging science and offers insights into how humans might extend their healthspan. Sinclair's research has led to breakthroughs in areas such as sirtuins, NAD+ metabolism, and cellular reprogramming. He is also the co-founder of several biotech companies, including Sirtris Pharmaceuticals and Life Biosciences, dedicated to translating aging research into practical treatments. Sinclair is a vocal advocate for taking a proactive approach to aging, promoting lifestyle changes and emerging therapies to delay age-related diseases. His work has made him a leading figure in the longevity movement, influencing both scientific and public discourse on the future of health.

View Collection
Sophie Bakalar's Book Recommendations

Sophie Bakalar's Book Recommendations

Sophie Bakalar is a distinguished author and venture capitalist known for her adept storytelling and insightful exploration of contemporary issues. Her debut novel received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of complex characters and societal dynamics. In addition to her literary achievements, Bakalar is a co-founder of a successful venture firm, where she leverages her keen understanding of market trends and innovation. Her essays and articles, often featured in prominent publications, reflect her deep engagement with cultural and technological shifts. Bakalar's multifaceted career bridges the worlds of literature and entrepreneurship, making her a unique voice in both fields.

View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.

View Collection
James Clear's Book Recommendations

James Clear's Book Recommendations

James Clear is the author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits, which focuses on the power of small habits and incremental improvements to achieve significant personal and professional growth. Clear’s writing blends insights from psychology, neuroscience, and productivity to provide practical strategies for building better habits. His work has helped millions of people create positive changes in their lives by focusing on the process rather than the outcome. James’s clear, actionable advice has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field of personal development.

View Collection
Sam Altman's Book Recommendations

Sam Altman's Book Recommendations

Sam Altman is an American entrepreneur, programmer, and investor, best known as the former president of Y Combinator, a startup accelerator that has launched numerous successful companies, including Airbnb, Dropbox, and Reddit. Altman himself is a co-founder of OpenAI, an organization focused on ensuring that artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. He has been a leading voice in the tech world, advocating for responsible innovation and the ethical use of AI. Under his leadership, Y Combinator grew into one of the most influential organizations in Silicon Valley, helping to fund and mentor early-stage startups. Altman’s blog and writings are widely read in the tech community, where he shares his insights on entrepreneurship, technology, and the future of AI. He has also been involved in several philanthropic ventures and continues to influence the tech world through his investments and thought leadership. His work at OpenAI has put him at the forefront of discussions about the future of artificial intelligence.

View Collection
Randall Carlson's Book Recommendations

Randall Carlson's Book Recommendations

Randall Carlson is a renowned American architect, geological theorist, and independent scholar known for his extensive research on Earth’s geological history and catastrophic events. He has made significant contributions to the study of ancient civilizations and the impact of cosmic events on human history. Carlson co-hosts the "Kosmographia" podcast, where he delves into these topics, bringing complex scientific theories to a broader audience. His work has been featured in various documentaries and publications, highlighting his interdisciplinary approach to understanding Earth's past. Carlson is also the founder of the Sacred Geometry International, promoting the study of sacred geometry and its influence on human culture and architecture.

View Collection
Tim Urban's Book Recommendations

Tim Urban's Book Recommendations

Tim Urban is an acclaimed writer and the co-founder of the popular blog Wait But Why, known for its deep dives into complex topics like artificial intelligence, procrastination, and the future of humanity. He is celebrated for his ability to distill complicated subjects into engaging and accessible narratives, often accompanied by quirky illustrations. Urban's TED Talk on procrastination has garnered millions of views, further cementing his reputation as a thought leader. His writing has attracted a dedicated following and has been praised for its blend of humor and insight. In addition to his blog, Urban is working on a highly anticipated book that promises to delve even deeper into the topics his readers love.

View Collection
Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero is a renowned designer, illustrator, and author best known for his influential book "The Shape of Design," which explores the philosophy and practice of design. His work emphasizes the intersection of creativity and human experience, earning him a respected place in both the design and literary communities. Chimero has contributed essays and lectures that have inspired a new generation of thinkers in the creative industries. He has also been recognized for his ability to distill complex ideas into accessible, thought-provoking content. Beyond his writing, Chimero's design projects and illustrations have been featured in numerous prestigious publications and exhibitions.

View Collection
Michael Mauboussin's Book Recommendations

Michael Mauboussin's Book Recommendations

Michael Mauboussin is a renowned investment strategist and author, known for his influential work in the fields of finance and behavioral economics. He has authored several acclaimed books, including "More Than You Know: Finding Financial Wisdom in Unconventional Places" and "The Success Equation: Untangling Skill and Luck in Business, Sports, and Investing." Mauboussin serves as Head of Consilient Research at Counterpoint Global, a division of Morgan Stanley Investment Management. His insights into decision-making, market behavior, and investment strategies have made significant contributions to both academic literature and practical applications in finance. Additionally, Mauboussin is a frequent lecturer and has taught at esteemed institutions like Columbia Business School.

View Collection

"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

Frequently Asked Questions