First edition. Quarto. Book and dustwrapper are both near fine. Cover corners slightly bumped and two one inch tears on dustwrapper spine head. Contributing scientists and illustrators are Peter Andrews, John Barber, Akio Morishima, Jean-Paul Tibbles and more.

Seller Inventory # 272447

Contact seller

Report this item

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Book of Life: An Illustrated History of the Evolution of Life on Earth
Publisher: W.W. Norton, New York
Publication Date: 1993
ISBN 10: 0393035573
ISBN 13: 9780393035575
Binding: Hardcover
Edition: 1st Edition
Condition: Near Fine

About this title

Synopsis

An illustrated natural history of the earth and its denizens combines paintings, drawings, and computer-generated images with a sweeping yet accessible chronicle of the world's variegated organisms and species.

Reviews

So much is unknown, but the modesty of this first-rank team of scientists and illustrators makes all the more trustworthy their seven-chapter telling of the evolutionary story as it is now tentatively interpreted. Gould, of Bully for Brontosaurus fame, leads off with an essay on iconography, the visual depiction of fossils since recognition of their antediluvian origins in the early 1800s. That's appropriate, since this album's illustrations--200 of them, in color--surround the text, excite the sense of wonder, and vivify the past. Further sharpening the book's visual impact, there are bright diagrams, captions, and a phylogeny (the latest concept in speciation) for each crucial argument--such as ancient forms of metabolism or the evidence for a Permian extinction that wiped out 95 percent of all species, clearing the way for dinosaurs. But the writers are no slouches, either, pacing the sequence of change through time's abyssal vastness and showing the slight opportunities that eventuated in the reign of fishes, reptiles, dinosaurs, mammals, and humans--while reminding the reader that evolution progresses not in a simple-to-complex fashion but is a blizzard of improvisations and haphazardry. A marvelous book. Gilbert Taylor

It is hard to know just what to make of this book. On one hand, the inclusion of dozens of striking color paintings and an introductory essay by Stephen Jay Gould on the history of iconography in the life sciences suggest a coffee-table book on biological illustration. On the other hand, the bulk of the illustrations, along with the organization of the text, suggest a textbook or encyclopedia aimed at high school students and general readers. Each of the six chapters--beginning with the origin of life in the seas, continuing through the age of dinosaurs, and ending with the evolution of the primates and hominids--is written by an expert in the field and addresses the latest research. Unfortunately, there are no bibliographies pointing readers to primary sources. This book will probably see the most use in the reference collection of public and school libraries.
- Eric Hinsdale, Trinity Univ. Lib., San Antonio
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Between the Covers is located in a converted 1915 brick school building. You can find us at bookfairs, or subscribe to our catalog mailing list. Samples available upon request. We also provide an elist, please subscribe on our website www.betweenthecovers.com.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Between the Covers-Rare Books, Inc. ABAA
112 Nicholson Road, Gloucester City, NJ, 08030, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

All books are first editions unless otherwise noted. New Jersey residents will be asked for sales tax. All items guaranteed, all items subject to prior sale. Members ABAA, ILAB.
112 Nicholson Road, Gloucester City, New Jersey 08030
books@betweenthecovers.com
Telephone 856-456-8008

Shipping Terms

Orders usually ship within 2 business days. Our $10 rate is for UPS or Priority Mail. Our $5.50 rate is media mail which can take a week or two, or a month or two (rarely, but has happened). We email tracking information for all domestic shipments. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 30 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 5.50	US$ 12.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.