Fossils : A Very Short Introduction

Keith Thomson

ISBN 10: 0192805045 / ISBN 13: 9780192805041

Published by Oxford University Press Dez 2005, 2005

About this Item

Neuware - Fossils have been vital to our understanding of the formation of the earth and the origins of all life on it. However, their impact has not been limited to debates about geology and evolution: attempts to explain their existence has shaken religion at its very roots, and they have remained a subject of ceaseless fascination for people of all ages and backgrounds. In this delightful book, Keith Thomson provides a remarkably all-encompassing explanation of fossils as a phenomenon. How did Darwin use fossils to support his theory of evolution What are 'living fossils' What fossils will we leave behind for future generations to examine Building on the scientific aspects, he places fossils in a very human context, highlighting their impact on philosophy and mythology, our concept of time, and today's popular culture. What quickly becomes obvious is that the discovery of fossils and the ways in which they have been interpreted over time makes for fascinating reading. From the black market to the Piltdown Man, and from mythological dragons to living dinosaurs, fossils hold a permanent place in the popular imagination.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Seller Inventory # 9780192805041

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Fossils : A Very Short Introduction
• Publisher: Oxford University Press Dez 2005
• Publication Date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0192805045
• ISBN 13: 9780192805041
• Binding: Taschenbuch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 173W x 111H x 14D millimeters 173 millimeters width by 111 millimeters height by 14 millimeters depth
• Weight: 140 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Fossils have been vital to our understanding of the formation of the earth and the origins of life. However, their impact has not been limited to debates about geology and evolution: attempts to explain their existence has shaken religion at its very roots, and they have remained a subject of ceaseless fascination for people of all ages and backgrounds. In this readable and wide-ranging book, Keith Thomson provides a remarkably all-encompassing explanation of fossils as a phenomenon. How did Darwin use fossils to support his theory of evolution? What are "living fossils"? What fossils will we leave behind for future generations to examine? Beyond the scientific aspects, Thomson highlights the impact of fossils on philosophy and mythology, our concept of time, and today's popular culture. From the black market to the Piltdown Man, and from mythological dragons to living dinosaurs, fossils hold a permanent place in the popular imagination.

About the Author

Keith Thomas is Emeritus Professor of Natural History at the University of Oxford.