Fossiling in Florida: A Guide for Diggers and Divers [Paperback]

OLIN MARK RENZ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

A friendly read. -- County Edition (Macclenny)

If you like fossils, even a little bit, YOU SHOULD HAVE THIS BOOK! -- Indian Artifact Magazine

Renz's book is scientifically accurate, and so much more. -- Hendry-Glades Sunday News

This very readable book will make a dull subject anything but dull. -- Outdoor Adventure

[This] guide...will fill you in on what animals lived here before man stepped foot in Florida--and after. -- County Edition (Macclenny)

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: University Press of Florida; 1st edition (June 30, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813016770
• ISBN-13: 978-0813016771
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #581,605 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #50 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Field Guides > Rocks & Minerals
  • #91 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Animals > Fossils

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great, down-to-earth field guide, September 17, 1999

By 

[e-mail] sandi newman (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fossiling in Florida: A Guide for Diggers and Divers (Paperback)

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Mark Renz' fossil guide from the standpoint of one who is just approaching the subject of amateur paleontology. Being a diver and not an historian or scientist, I was curious about fossil hunting, but not enough to make a life's work of it. This book bridges the gap, and makes the study of fossil bones interesting but not intimidating to those of us who want a brief lesson in paleontology, with detailed information on what we are actually finding in Florida's creeks and rivers. Renz' humor makes the science user-friendly; and with foreword addresses by such highly-regarded individuals in the field as S. David Webb of our Florida Museum of Natural History and James S. Dunbar from the state's Bureau of Archeological Research, I was reassured that Renz' scientific knowledge is solid. Not the "coffee-table" book some may expect, this field "Guide for Diggers and Divers" is designed to go with you as a hands-on manual. I like that it leads you to the best spots to find fossils, describes likely spots to find the bones, and offers photos of some of the common (and even those more unusual) items you'll find. Most of all, having read the book a number of times, I have proof the author's knowledge is legitimate. Being a Floridian, I had the opportunity to join Mark Renz on one of his fossil expeditions. I not only found bones and artifacts, but I also received a lesson in the identification and history of each fossil, along with information on reporting my finds. This book is definitely not for those that already know it all. But for those of us just starting out, or developing an interest in fossil bones, it's a great reference and a wonderful beginning.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Destined to be another classic, September 10, 1999

By 

Barbara Oehlbeck, author and book reviewer (s... (LaBelle, FL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fossiling in Florida: A Guide for Diggers and Divers (Paperback)

After waiting over 10 years since the publication of the classic "Florida's Fossils" by Robin Brown, amateur paleontologists in Florida now have another excellent reference book. Geared for the beginner to intermediate amateur, "Fossiling in Florida" is destined to also be a classic. The book contains 21 chapters, a 34 page identification section, a list of Florida fossiling clubs, a bibliography, and best of all, is dedicated to amateurs. Throughout the book there are 250 black and white pictures, mostly of fossil specimens. These pictures vividly display a well-rounded cadre of vertebrate fossils from a variety of localities. The pictures are clear enough for anyone wishing assistance in identification of their specimens. Also peppered through the book are over 20 illustrations by the author's wife, Marisa Renz. The majority of the drawings are light-hearted looks at Mark's adventures and ideas as an amateur collector. However, there are also several excellent line drawings of fossil specimens and serious recreations of prehistoric life. The combination of photos and illustrations provide the reader with great visual supplements to a comprehensive text. The author uses clear and concise language, explaining technical terminology in an accessible manner to the non-professional. Renz not only places various extinct species in their prehistoric context, he also uses modern analogues to speculate on their behavior. Sharks, mammoths, sloths, horses, armadillos and glyptodonts, saber cats, dugongs and manatees, alligators, bison and more are covered in detail. Stories on how Renz found his specimens are juxtaposed with vignettes on how the author speculates those animals lived and came to be fossils. This makes for fun and informative reading for beginner to veteran alike. The creative writing and story-like format should catapult "Fossiling in Florida" to an audience that transcends Florida state lines. A must have book for anyone interested in fossils.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very informational guide for all fossil hunters!!!, September 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Fossiling in Florida: A Guide for Diggers and Divers (Paperback)

I am impressed with Mr. Renz' knowledge of Florida fossiling, from identification to the "common" hazards that we all face by fossil hunting in Florida. I highly recomend "Fossiling in Florida" for all fossil hunters, from the novice to the professional Paleontologist. It was NOT a "dry read" and cure for insomnia as most fossiling guides and identification books are and no Latin class required to read and understand it!! Not only is it fun to read and informative it is also a great carry along when you are in the field for identification, between the verbal descriptions and outstanding drawings and photographs you can identify the most common and even some of the rare finds in Florida.