Fossils – Key to the Past (Paper) (Cobe) - Softcover

Fortey, Richard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0674311361 ISBN 13: 9780674311367

Publisher: Harvard University Press, 1994

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

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" 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. 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 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: Harvard University Press
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0674311361
• ISBN 13: 9780674311367
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 188