Fossils: The Key to the Past - Hardcover

Richard Fortey

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0442226152 ISBN 13: 9780442226152

Publisher: Heinemann, 1982

Synopsis

Fossils: The Key to the Past is an accessible introduction to the study and meaning of fossils. It provides a comprehensive guide to all aspects of fossils and their use in reconstructing the history of life on Earth. This stunning new edition has been completely redesigned, updated and extended, reflecting advances in our understanding of the fossil record and the significance of new fossil finds. Palaeontologist Richard Fortey explains in easy-to-follow language what fossils are, how they form and how to identify them, and how they help us to understand Earth's geological past and the emergence of life. Drawing on all the latest research, including recent developments in molecular palaeontology, he discusses evolution and extinction, the economic uses of fossils, such as oil and coal, as well as offering practical advice for making a fossil collection. Extensively illustrated in full colour throughout, with many new photographs from the collections at the Natural History Museum, Fossils: The Key to the Past will appeal to all those with an interest in the very history of life.

About this title

Review

'An excellent introduction to the subject for anyone who has ever picked up a piece of rock marked with the trace of a long dead creature and wondered how it got there.' --Editor's choice, Good Book Guide

About the Author

Richard Fortey was a senior palaeontologist at the Natural History Museum. He is the author of several books including: The Hidden Landscape which won the Natural World Book of the Year in 1993; Life: An Unauthorised Biography which was short-listed for the Rhône Poulenc Prize in 1998; Trilobite: Eyewitness to Evolution which was short-listed for the Samuel Johnson Prize; and Dry Store Room No. 1: The Secret Life of the Natural History Museum. He has won both the Lewis Thomas and Michael Faraday prizes for his science writing, and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1997.

Edition details

• Publisher: Heinemann
• Publication date: 1982
• ISBN 10: 0442226152
• ISBN 13: 9780442226152
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 172