Wonderful Life – The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History - Softcover

Gould, Stephen Jay

Softcover

ISBN 10: 039330700X ISBN 13: 9780393307009

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company, 1991

Synopsis

High in the Canadian Rockies is a small limestone quarry formed 530 million years ago called the Burgess Shale. It hold the remains of an ancient sea where dozens of strange creatures lived--a forgotten corner of evolution preserved in awesome detail. In this book Stephen Jay Gould explores what the Burgess Shale tells us about evolution and the nature of history.

About this title

Review:

Luminous. . . . Filled with profound and upsetting ideas like the Burgess Shale itself and just as solid. It is surely one of nature's best stories, told with a light touch by a master of the field. --Lewis Thomas, M.D."

Gould at his best. . . . The message of history is superbly conveyed. . . . Recommended reading for scientists and nonscientists of all persuasions.--Walter C. Sweet

There is no question about the historical importance of the Burgess Shale, and Gould is right when he says that it deserves a place in the public consciousness along with big bangs and black holes. . . . A compelling story, told with characteristic verve.--Richard A. Fortey

About the Author:

Stephen Jay Gould (1941-2002) was the Alexander Agassiz Professor of Zoology and Professor of Geology at Harvard University. He published over twenty books, received the National Book and National Book Critics Circle Awards, and a MacArthur Fellowship.

About this edition

• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 039330700X
• ISBN 13: 9780393307009
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 352