Customer Reviews

Fossiling in Florida: A Guide for Diggers and Divers

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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.

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.

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.

I've read many fossil guides and most are usually boring and scientific. Mark's book is full of stories that shed a realistic light on the art and science of fossiling. Not only does he describe his techniques for fossil hunting, he also does this with a sense of wry humor and wit. I have used his fossil guide to identify some fossils that I have located myself in Florida. I would highly recommend this book for the neophyte as well as the seasoned fossiler.

The book is a great guide for us amature fossil hunters. His easy way of sharing his knowledge is appreciated. It makes you want to dig in every dirt pile like a little kid looking for buried treasure. I had the pleasure of meeting the author and he is very facinating. I highly recommend his other books also.

Here in Florida we are lucky to have a how-to book like Fossiling in Florida. Renz not only has in insatiable drive for exploring the past, but his writing is professional and the scientific information he disburses is accurate, presented in a delightful, down-to-earth style. This book is easy to understand-even for those without a modicum of knowledge about fossils. Renz has the expertise to write clearly, with candor and good humor, as well as an uncanny ability to make whatever he is writing come alive for the reader. He magnetically pulls the reader from page to page. The book is awash with photos, in fact, it is a fascinating photo ID book, all through the over 200 pages. Renz's wife Marisa is a creditable photographer and illustrationist as evidenced by the wonderful work she contributed to this project. With pure dedication, Renz shares his aura of romance as he walks and writes his readers through the "how-tos" of fossiling, covering what, where and when to look, as well as how to preserve your finds for another million years. In the epilog, the author writes: "There is nothing as therapeutic to me as fossil hunting. It doesn't matter how stressful a week I've had; when I take to the bone beds, it's all behind me. While I'm out, I'm not just looking for old bones. I have come across owls, otters, bobcats, manatees, alligators, snakes and the tracks of the endangered Florida panther. I've been frightened a couple of times, but mostly I have been in awe of the beauty of nature as it appears to have unfolded over the eons--and here I am in the midst of it."

Having canoed MANY times down the Peace River in Arcadia, FL over the last 20+ years - and knowing nothing re fossiling there - saw a newspaper article on the fossiling and couldn't wait to get back. Took our almost 9 year old son (whom we have now nicknamed "the fossil pro"), we had a ball! Then we heard about Mark Renz, and will be booking with him the next trip. Also, have a scout trip planned just from the collection our guy found there. Ordered the book for a surprise for third grade graduation next week. He's hooked, as are we!! Brian's Mom and Dad

Fossiling in Florida is a fast paced, light hearted book on the excitement of fossil hunting in Florida. No old, dry bones here. It isn't weighed down by boring science facts and doesn't trip over ponderous Latin names. Just loads of accurate information presented in an easy to read manner. I reccommend this book to any one interested in fossil hunting. Even the armchair adventurer will enjoy this romp through Florida's past. Mark Renz's charm, knowledge and humor speed you on your way so quickly it's a one sitting read. Mrs. Renz's art work adds volumes to the enjoyment of the book. This lady knows her husband!! Don't stop at the book, take the trip, I did and can guarantee you will come away begging for more.

Fossiling in Florida is THE book for beginner and old pro a like. No old dry bones here! Mark Renz's knowledge, charm and humor come shining through. The book doesn't bog down on egghead science or trip over ponderous Latin names. Yet it is loaded with information in an easy to learn style. I reccommend it to any one even slightly interested in Florida's past. Mrs. Renz's art work adds volumes to the book. This lady knows her husband! The book is a fast paced, light hearted read and will be over before you know it. You will be left wanting more!

FOSSILING IN FLORIDA: A Guide for Diggers and Divers is an excellent book for anyone interested in fossil collecting in Florida. Mark's mix of humour, enthusiasm and first hand experiences guide you through an educational and informative insight into Florida's rich fossil past! Well illustrated with lots of photos for identification. Mark goes into great detail to discuss the responsible ways of fossil collecting and passes on to us that the challenge of the hunt can be as much fun as the discovery!