Thomas D. Brock (1926–2021)

Reading this book turned me into a rage monster who ranted at everyone who came within earshot.

I picked this up at Yellowstone this summer, but didn't get around to reading it until I was back home. I don't know exactly what I was expecting — a discussion of the kinds of microorganisms responsible for some of the colors in Yellowstone's formations? I didn't expect to be the intended audience for the book (having a M.S. in environmental microbiology), but the longer I read the more confused I was about WHO the intended audience for this book could possibly be.

Brock is an expert in the field, I don't think there is any reason to doubt that he knows the science. But knowing the science and knowing how to write to a general audience are two different things. The copyright page makes clear that all text, formatting, and pictures are by Brock as well, and now you can add on that being an expert in environmental microbiology also does not make you an expert in editing. Or even picture choice. What even were some of the pictures chosen for?

Ahem. Clearly I am still a little worked up. Yet I gave the pamphlet three stars? I mean, I did learn a few things. I learned a few things about Yellowstone in particular, which is what I was there for. I am just left wondering how many people paid the six dollars for this book in a Yellowstone gift store and then were disappointed.… (meer)

Every community should be lucky enough to have someone care about documenting it's history this well. The author wasn't a layout specialist or cartographer and those parts are a bit rough, but the whole book gives the impression that it's the result of a whole lot of people saying "you should write a book!" when the author was really occupied with the primary research. This book is an entry point into the town history archive the author assembled and put on file, it doesn't replace it.

The book also underplays the racial and economic divisions inherent in Shorewood's history, however, at least they are mentioned. That's a subject that could fill an entire book on it's own.… (meer)