
author
1880–1965
Known for making geology approachable to general readers and students, this American geologist wrote clear, wide-ranging books that helped explain how rocks, fossils, and landforms reveal Earth’s history. His work spans both popular science and academic teaching, giving him a lasting place in early 20th-century geology writing.

by William J. (William John) Miller
An American geologist born in 1880, he wrote extensively about Earth science and is best remembered for books such as Geology: The Science of the Earth's Crust, The Story of Our Earth, and An Introduction to Historical Geology. His writing aimed to make geology understandable without losing the excitement of discovery.
His career combined research, teaching, and textbook writing. The record of his publications shows a strong focus on physical and historical geology, especially for students and general readers who wanted a broad introduction to how the planet was formed and changed over time.
He died in 1965, but his books continued to circulate widely through libraries and reprints. Today he is still of interest to readers exploring classic geology texts and the early popularization of Earth science.