How Long to Read The Epochs of Nature

How Long Does it Take to Read The Epochs of Nature?

It takes the average reader 3 hours and 49 minutes to read The Epochs of Nature by Georges-Louis Leclerc

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

Georges-Louis Leclerc, le comte de Buffon's The Epochs of Nature, originally published as Les Époques de la Nature in 1778, is one of the first great popular science books, a work of style and insight that was devoured by Catherine the Great of Russia and influenced Humboldt, Darwin, Lyell, Vernadsky, and many other renowned scientists. It is the first geological history of the world, stretching from the Earth’s origins to its foreseen end, and though Buffon was limited by the scientific knowledge of his era—the substance of the Earth was not, as he asserts, dragged out of the sun by a giant comet, nor is the sun’s heat generated by tidal forces—many of his deductions appear today as startling insights. And yet, The Epochs of Nature has never before been available in its entirety in English—until now. In seven epochs, Buffon reveals the main features of an evolving Earth, from its hard rock substrate to the sedimentary layers on top, from the minerals and fossils found within these layers to volcanoes, earthquakes, and rises and falls in sea level—and he even touches on age-old mysteries like why the sun shines. In one of many moments of striking scientific prescience, Buffon details evidence for species extinction a generation before Cuvier’s more famous assertion of the phenomenon. His seventh and final epoch does nothing less than offer the first geological glimpse of the idea that humans are altering the very foundations of the Earth—an idea of remarkable resonance as we debate the designation of another epoch: the Anthropocene. Also featuring Buffon’s extensive “Notes Justificatives,” in which he offers further evidence to support his assertions (and discusses vanished monstrous North American beasts—what we know as mastodons—as well as the potential existence of human giants), plus an enlightening introduction by editor and translator Jan Zalasiewicz and historians of science Sverker Sörlin, Libby Robin, and Jacques Grinevald, this extraordinary new translation revives Buffon’s quite literally groundbreaking work for a new age.

How long is The Epochs of Nature?

The Epochs of Nature by Georges-Louis Leclerc is 225 pages long, and a total of 57,375 words.

This makes it 76% the length of the average book. It also has 70% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read The Epochs of Nature Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 5 hours and 13 minutes to read The Epochs of Nature aloud.

What Reading Level is The Epochs of Nature?

The Epochs of Nature is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy The Epochs of Nature?

The Epochs of Nature by Georges-Louis Leclerc is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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