First published in 1953, as the second edition of a 1951 original, this book was written for the general reader by the renowned Scottish astronomer William Marshall Smart (1889–1975). The text presents an accessible account of the history of earth, incorporating the contributions of astronomy, physics, chemistry, geology and biology within the main theme. Numerous illustrative figures are also included. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the development of earth and the history of science.