This book provides a detailed review of terminations of ice ages, including a very attractive theory based on dust deposits on ice sheets. While other books on ice ages are mostly short, popular, and non-technical, the only book that attempts to deal with the broad issues of what we know about past ice ages and why they occur is the book by Muller and MacDonald (M&M), published by Praxis. However, despite its many good features, this book suffers from an inordinate emphasis on spectral analysis, a lack of coverage of new data, and a very confusing sequence of chapters. As a result, the data and theory are so intimately entwined that it is difficult to separate one from the other. This volume provides an independent and comprehensive summary of the latest data, theories and analysis. This third edition of what has become the premier reference and sourcebook on ice ages addresses recent topics, and includes new references, new data, and a totally new, greatly expanded treatment of terminations of ice ages.
From the reviews: "In an extensive, detailed review of research, Rapp evaluates theories, models, data and their sources, methodologies, and assumptions relative to the prevailing astronomical theory. ... His concerns ... remind readers that the scientific method and neutral, objective analyses must not be abandoned in the search for understanding how the Earth's climate is changing. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduate through professional collections." (L. S. Zipp, Choice, Vol. 47 (4), December, 2009)