Book excerpt: Like N. O. Sorokhtin’s most recent book, The Origins of Natural Diamonds, also available from Wiley-Scrivener at www.wiley.com, this is not just the story of the origin and evolution of the Baltic Shield, but a story about the evolution of the Earth’s geology in general. Important to geologists, geophysicists, and engineers across multiple disciplines, written by an expert in the field and an expert on the Earth’s geological evolution, this volume represents the state-of-the-art in major Earth geological processes. Of particular importance to mining engineers and petroleum engineers, it is also a practical guide for those who work in the mining or petroleum industry. Before presenting the most in-depth discussion of the Baltic Shield available and its implications for study by geologists and various industries such as the petroleum industry, the author presents a theory for how the Earth, as we know it, came into existence and developed. He bases this theory on scientific evidence and mathematical models, using this as a basis for further explanation of the Earth’s geological evolution. Valuable as either a learning tool for the student or as a reference or refresher for the veteran scientist or engineer, the author explains important geological processes, such as the Earth’s origin, composition, and structure, the Earth’s energy balance, continental drift, tectonic activity, the evolution of the Earth’s crust, and others. It is within this geological framework that the author offers practical guidance for engineers and scientists who work in industry or academia. It is a must-have for any geologist, geophysicist, or engineer working in mining or petroleum engineering.