Fossils: The Key to the Past

by Richard Fortey

Overview

"Richard Fortey is without peer among science writers."—Bill Bryson

Reviews of previous editions—

"Fossils is authoritative and attractive; it contains especially good sections on 'bringing fossils to life,' on extinction, on the early life of the Precambrian and Cambrian, and on the use of microfossils in stratigraphy."—Nature

"Fortey's book is original in that it views the fossils as a product of the continuously changing earth. The text flows well and is written with confidence and in a pleasantly uncomplicated style."—Journal of Geology

"This primer on fossils is a good introduction to paleontology and an excellent selection for fossil collectors or general readers interested in the field. The text is nicely illustrated with numerous excellent charts, tables, diagrams, and photographs. Highly recommended."—Choice

"The overall impression is one of a comprehensive tour through the heart of the earth sciences, delivered in an accessible way with passion and enthusiasm. This book succeeds both in presenting the substance of the science and in captivating the imagination and does so without sacrificing either."—Proceedings of the Geologists' Association

In his accessible introduction to the study and meaning of fossils, the world-renowned paleontologist Richard Fortey provides a comprehensive guide to all aspects of fossils and their use in reconstructing the history of life on Earth. Extensively illustrated in full color throughout, this fifth edition of Fossils includes the most recent advances in our understanding of the fossil record and the significance of new fossil finds.

Fortey clearly explains what fossils are, how they form, 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 paleontology, he discusses evolution and extinction, the economic uses of fossil-derived products such as oil and coal, and offers practical advice for making a fossil collection. Fossils will appeal to everyone who shares an interest in the history of life on our planet.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781501700538
Publisher:	Cornell University Press
Publication date:	10/02/2015
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

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.

Editorial Reviews

This primer on fossils is a good introduction to paleontology and an excellent selection for fossil collectors or general readers interested in the field. The text is nicely illustrated with numerous excellent charts, tables, diagrams, and photographs. Highly recommended.

Choice

Fortey's book is original in that it views the fossils as a product of the continuously changing earth. The text flows well and is written with confidence and in a pleasantly uncomplicated style.

Journal of Geology

The overall impression is one of a comprehensive tour through the heart of the earth sciences, delivered in an accessible way with passion and enthusiasm. This book succeeds both in presenting the substance of the science and in captivating the imagination and does so without sacrificing either.

Proceedings of the Geologists' Association

Fossilsis authoritative and attractive; it contains especially good sections on 'bringing fossils to life,' on extinction, on the early life of the Precambrian and Cambrian, and on the use of microfossils in stratigraphy.

Nature

Fossilsis authoritative and attractive; it contains especially good sections on 'bringing fossils to life,' on extinction, on the early life of the Precambrian and Cambrian, and on the use of microfossils in stratigraphy.

Nature Lib

"Fossilsis authoritative and attractive; it contains especially good sections on 'bringing fossils to life,' on extinction, on the early life of the Precambrian and Cambrian, and on the use of microfossils in stratigraphy."—Nature(reviewing a previous edition)

"Fortey's book is original in that it views the fossils as a product of the continuously changing earth. The text flows well and is written with confidence and in a pleasantly uncomplicated style."—Journal of Geology(reviewing a previous edition)

"This primer on fossils is a good introduction to paleontology and an excellent selection for fossil collectors or general readers interested in the field. The text is nicely illustrated with numerous excellent charts, tables, diagrams, and photographs. Highly recommended."—Choice(reviewing a previous edition)

"The overall impression is one of a comprehensive tour through the heart of the earth sciences, delivered in an accessible way with passion and enthusiasm. This book succeeds both in presenting the substance of the science and in captivating the imagination and does so without sacrificing either."—Proceedings of the Geologists' Association(reviewing a previous edition)

From the Publisher

A guide for amateur fossil collectors and general readers to how fossils came about, how to find and identify them, and their economic and practical importance. Emphasizes fossils easy to find. Highly illustrated, sometimes in color. Includes a short glossary without pronunciation. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

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.

The Science Teacher - William C. Philips

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.

American Scientist - Samantha A. Harlow And Joseph G. Carter

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