The age of the Earth

In this lucid early‑twentieth‑century study, a seasoned geologist walks listeners through the long‑running quest to answer one of science’s most stubborn questions: how old is our planet? Beginning with mythic creation dates and the calculations of scholars such as Bishop Ussher, the narrative traces how ideas shifted from biblical chronologies to the slow, relentless work of uniformitarian geologists like Hutton and Lyell. The author then shows how the dawning of radioactivity opened a new window on deep time, setting the stage for a surprising clash of ages.

The book does more than recount history; it carefully examines the assumptions behind each dating technique, from sediment accumulation to the heat of radioactive decay. By spotlighting the stark discrepancies between competing estimates, it invites listeners to ponder the delicate balance of evidence and theory. The quiet hope is that this measured appraisal will spark fresh curiosity about the Earth’s hidden timeline.