Amber: The Natural Time Capsule - Hardcover

Ross, Andrew

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1554076099 ISBN 13: 9781554076093

Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd, 2010

Synopsis

A comprehensive introduction to amber and all its uses.

Amber is an engaging overview of this natural substance. It also explores how the fossilized inclusions trapped in the golden resin of spruce trees provide a superb record of prehistoric species and habitats. Lavishly illustrated throughout, this book includes all the current knowledge and ongoing research, such as:

How amber is formed from the resin of ancient trees

The fascinating process by which amber preserves natural specimens

The secrets amber can reveal

Types of amber

Where amber can be found

The role of amber in science and art

Practical advice on how to distinguish genuine amber from fakes

Recent discoveries and developments

Exclusive and particularly valuable features of the book include:

Stunning and previously unpublished photographs of specimens from the collection of the Natural History Museum in London

Detailed illustrated identification keys to the most common insect inclusions

The storied search for DNA in insect inclusions in amber

Amber brings the study of this fascinating substance and its secrets within reach of any reader, and it will particularly fascinate rock hounds, fossil and gem enthusiasts, hobbyists and jewelry designers.

About this title

Review

If you know a bug geek or amber nerd, find them this book.--Bill Bean"Waterloo Region Record" (07/24/2010)

For the curious amber collector, Amber offers a practical guide to identifying these creatures to increase your knowledge and enjoyment.

You might take this for a kid's book. That would be a mistake. Special are the children who care to know how to differentiate Baltic amber from Dominican amber, or who delight in having a copy of the only known photograph of the extinct alder fly species Corydasialidae. If you know a bug geek or amber nerd, find them this book. It's filled with page after page of stunning photographs of historic and prehistoric insects preserved forever in amber. (And indeed, kids should enjoy the photos of sand mites, lice, scorpions and other insects.). There is a simple key to these amber fossils that hinges on visual information rather than scientific terminology (Does the creature have very spiny hind legs? If yes, it could be a cicadelliclae or leafhopper; if no, go to the next step). Again, if you know a reader who is interested in whether the forewing of an amber-entrapped bug has a pterostigma or not, this is a must-have book for them.--Bill Bean"Waterloo Region Record" (07/24/2010)

[Review of hardcover edition: ] You might take this for a kid's book. That would be a mistake. Special are the children who care to know how to differentiate Baltic amber from Dominican amber, or who delight in having a copy of the only known photograph of the extinct alder fly species Corydasialidae. If you know a bug geek or amber nerd, find them this book. It's filled with page after page of stunning photographs of historic and prehistoric insects preserved forever in amber. (And indeed, kids should enjoy the photos of sand mites, lice, scorpions and other insects.). There is a simple key to these amber fossils that hinges on visual information rather than scientific terminology (Does the creature have very spiny hind legs? If yes, it could be a cicadelliclae or leafhopper; if no, go to the next step). Again, if you know a reader who is interested in whether the forewing of an amber-entrapped bug has a pterostigma or not, this is a must-have book for them.--Bill Bean"Waterloo Region Record" (07/24/2010)

About the Author

Andrew Ross is curator of fossil arthropods at the Natural History Museum, London, England.

Edition details

• Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1554076099
• ISBN 13: 9781554076093
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 112