Fossils: The Key to the Past - Softcover

Richard Fortey

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1588340481 ISBN 13: 9781588340481

Publisher: Smithsonian Books, 2002

Synopsis

This thorough introduction to the world of paleontology has been completely revised and updated, reflecting changes in the ways that fossils are viewed and interpreted. Using the fluid writing style that made Trilobite! Eyewitness to Evolution such a success, Dr. Fortey brings the study of fossils into the 21st-century.

About this title

About the Author:

RICHARD FORTEY is a paleontology research associate at the Natural History Museum in London.

Review:

“In this attractive, well-illustrated book, Richard Fortey traces a more or less chronological progression from early Precambrian life through the vertebrates, including hominids, giving due credit to the diversity and abundance of invertebrate fossils. Fortey also explains the essential biological, taxonomic and geological concepts that underlie paleontology . . . Fortey maintains the reader's interest throughout by his use of lyrical, commonly humorous language and excellent black-and-white drawings and color photographs . . . This book offers an excellent introduction to paleontology, pulling together in a concise manner the multiple facets that make contemporary paleontology a dynamic and exciting field of study.”—Samantha A. Harlow and Joseph G. Carter, American Scientist

“This book is not a field guide, yet it provides essential information that many field guides lack. It is not a picture book, yet it provides many good pictures of fossils. It is not a textbook, yet it provides excellent text on fossils. So, what is it? Answer: It is a rarity among its flashier rivals in the publishing trade. Fossils is a clearly written, straightforward book . . . This is an excellent and intelligent book.”—William C. Philips, The Science Teacher

“[This book] is written in a clear and engaging style, technical terms are minimized but well defined, and complex concepts are simplified yet accurately presented such that both novice and professional will profit from this work . . . Fortey's many years of service as a paleontologist with the British Museum of Natural History prepared him well for the technical material presented, but his superb writing ability will account for much of the probable success of this book. It should appeal . . . to anyone interested in a very readable account of the history of life on our planet.”—Choice

About this edition

• Publisher: Smithsonian Books
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1588340481
• ISBN 13: 9781588340481
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 352