Legends of the Earth: Their Geologic Origin
by Dorothy B. Vitaliano
1977
The remarkable first book about geomythology from the woman who invented the term. Geomythology seeks to explain certain specific myths and legends in terms of actual geological events that may have been witnessed. Proves that geologic events are heavily influential in folklore. A must-have, written for even the layperson, no science background required.
Ley Lines in Question
by Tom Williamson and Liz Bellamy
1983
Provides a definitive objective history of the idea of ley lines from Watkins to the late 1970s when the idea morphed into a paranormal concept. A skeptical examination of “alternative archaeology”. A perfect companion to Watkins’ ley launch – The Old Straight Track.
Water Witching USA
by Evon Vogt and Ray Hyman
1959
Essential scientific response to the many claims regarding dowsing, dispels many legends and exaggerations. Believers in dowsing will hate it but need to address the practice’s many failures. Written by experts in anthropology and psychology (and magic).
Why Hell Stinks of Sulfur: Mythology and Geology of the Underworld
by Salomon Kroonenberg
2013
A beautifully written and illustrated book on the author’s quest to find the legendary “hell” based on the stories of ancient tales. Skips almost all pop culture ideas about gates to hell to focus on ancient Greece and the early ideas about Hades. Also touches on the evolution of thought about the interior workings of the planet but title is slightly misleading.
Melting the Earth: The History of Ideas on Volcanic Eruptions
by Haraldur Sigurdsson
1999
The well-researched and marvelously written story of the myths and evolution of ideas about volcanism from the earliest times, through religious beliefs and the dawn of scientific thinking. Authored by a practicing scientist.