Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #195207 in Books
• Published on: 2009-04-30
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

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.

Customer Reviews

Prizes from paleontology,
Fossils retain a mystique unmatched by most other natural wonders. They provide a window into the deep past and a hint of life's immense variety. Richard Fortey, whose reputation is built on a long career studying trilobite fossils, provides a richly illustrated summary of the prizes of paleontology. Carefully written to show the science behind fossil hunting, he avidly encourages amateurs with this book also. He explains how fossils were the key element in establishing the science of geology by William Smith. In later years they would be the buttress supporting Darwin's idea of evolution by natural selection. In the 20th Century these silent witnesses would provide the finishing touches on the concept of plate tectonics.

Fortey has arranged this book well, with different animal and plant fossils and images carefully categorised, described and imaged. He guides the novice through the process of recognizing and retrieving fossils from the various rock types. Shales, as the product of shallow seas are likely rocks for many fossils allow easy retrieval. However, Fortey notes the specimen will likely be shattered through geologic processes. Limestone, on the other hand, hides its treasures well, but lucky finds may be dazzling in completeness or detail. He explains the necessity of careful record location and condition of finds. After all, careful records led to the understanding that western and eastern Newfoundland began their continental careers far apart. Millions of years ago, eastern Newfoundland was far across the equator near the South Pole. Fossil records traced its movement until it merged with the western side some time later.

Fortey's book is stunningly illustrated, well worth the price for that aspect alone. Large, clear photographs, line drawings and maps support his animated writing style. His enthusiasm for his science sparkles every page. You become anxious to join his next expedition or set out on your own at the first opportunity. His warnings about seaside drenchings, icy winds or smashed fingernails seem inconsequential compared to the possibility of obtaining one of nature's true treasures. Gemstones seem dull and faded next to an object that once lived on a sea bottom or ancient prairie. His final chapters on finding and preparing fossils are a welcome addition. With the dual purpose of presenting beauty with education, this book is of value to anyone wishing to learn about the life of the past.
[stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]