Fossils – Key to the Past (Cobe) - Hardcover

Fortey, Richard

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0674311353 ISBN 13: 9780674311350

Publisher: Harvard University Press, 1991

Synopsis

Discusses the formation of fossils, describes how they are used by scientists to reconstruct the history of the earth, and offers guidance on starting a fossil collection

About this title

Review

ÝThis 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.

[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.

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 "

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 great 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 "

About the Author

Richard Fortey is a paleontologist at the Natural History Museum in London. His many books include "Earth: An Intimate History", "The Hidden Landscape: A Journey into the Geological Past", and "Trilobite: Eyewitness to Evolution".

Edition details

• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Publication date: 1991
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0674311353
• ISBN 13: 9780674311350
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 188