Vojta Hybl, "Rocks: A Guide to the Stones Around Us and the Stories They Tell" (Frances Lincoln, 2026)

In this episode of New Books in Environmental Studies, host Dr. Miranda Melcher interviews geologist and illustrator Vojta Hybl about his 2026 book, *Rocks: A Guide to the Stones Around Us and the Stories They Tell*. Hybl, who studied geology and outdoor environmental education, blends scientific rigor with artistic expression to create a guide that not only helps readers identify common and unusual rocks but also deepens their understanding of Earth’s dynamic history. He explains how rocks form through igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic, and even anthropic processes, revealing stories from volcanic eruptions to ancient ecosystems preserved in chert. A standout theme is the concept of 'rock blindness'—our tendency to overlook the omnipresent stones beneath our feet—and how re-engaging with rocks can foster a profound connection to the planet. Hybl also introduces the idea of glacial ice as a rock, now endangered due to climate change, and advocates for viewing human-made materials as part of Earth’s geological narrative, challenging the notion of the Anthropocene while urging readers to see rocks as kin rather than resources. The conversation concludes with Hybl’s vision of a more interconnected understanding of Earth’s systems, inspiring readers to look closely at the world around them with curiosity and wonder.