Dan R. Lynch is an author and photographer who has written more than 20 field guides, monographs, and kids' books covering a wide range of topics in the geological sciences. Born and raised on Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior, he learned the nuances of rock and mineral identification firsthand, both on the stony beaches and in his parents' rock shop, Agate City, in Two Harbors. In his years at the shop, he found that he had a knack for explaining complex topics like rock and mineral formation, putting them in simpler terms for eager novices. Combining this skill with his love of photography and his hands-on background in geology, Dan has prided himself on his series of books in which he guides readers through all aspects of a topic, always starting at the beginning to ensure everyone has a solid foundation for understanding the more technical details that follow. In this way, he hopes to foster an appreciation for the earth beneath our feet, counteract online misinformation, and convey to readers the profound importance of science. Dan lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with his wife and son and works as a classical numismatist and writer.