This dataset contains the background data for a multi-method study on the presentation of the topic of isostasy in predominantly introductory geosciences textbooks. It includes information on the textbooks considered and the short quotes that indicated areas of particular relevance to the questions of interest. The introductory textbooks were those available in the textbook collection of the Department of Geosciences at the University of Oslo. There is also individual textbook information on the structure of presentations of isostasy in intermediate textbooks, leading to the composite structure in publication. These textbooks were found in the University of Oslo's Science Library.