Meteorites and their parent planets /

In 1492, in Ensisheim, Alsace, a huge stone crashed from the sky into a wheat field. It was eventually placed in a church with this inscription, "Many know much about this stone, everyone knows something, but no one knows quite enough." The same sentiment can be expressed today when scientists discuss meteorites, but McSween has organized what we do know into nine logically laid out chapters. He explores the various types, their possible origins, and their relation to the cosmic abundance of elements and formation of planetary systems. Each chapter has its own annotated list of suggested readings. Key words appear in bold face and are well defined. The graphs, line drawings, and black-and-white illustrations are clear and well labeled. A helpful glossary, and lack of math, make it a good resource for the general reader as well as an excellent introduction for undergraduates just beginning a technical study of meteorites. Recommended. M.-K. Hemenway University of Texas at Austin