Prehistoric Journey: A History of Life on Earth [Paperback]

Kirk Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1995 | ISBN-10: 1570980454 | ISBN-13: 978-1570980459 | Edition: Updated

An updated edition of the award-winning primer on the evolution of the planet's life forms, Prehistoric Journey introduces readers to the wonders of the prehistoric world through an accessible text and strong, colorful photographs of world-class fossils. Arranged chronologically, the book describes the history of life on earth from the beginning of life in the seas, to the age of dinosaurs, to the age of mammals, and finally to the emergence of the modern world. Dramatic color illustrations and photographs feature the Denver Museum of Nature and Science's eight prehistoric habitat dioramas; spectacular fossils, including many of the finest examples of dinosaurs, large mammals, early primates, and giant fish; and striking watercolor illustrations that accurately render the animals and plants of the past.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA?A fascinating account of the evolutionary progress of life on our planet, written in a readable style by well-versed authors. Commencing with the debut of the Earth and moon 4.6 billion years ago, they go on to define the conditions that promoted the formation of life 3.5 billion years ago. From that far-off time when one-celled organisms formed in the chemical soup of the early oceans, and began to consume energy, grow, and reproduce, to the appearance of our Australopithecus ancestress, Lucy, the march of evolution is well documented. The basic concepts of geologic history are explained, so that the major transformations of the planet's surface through the eons of prehistory make sense to students with little background in this area. The notable representatives of flora and fauna in each era are presented, with significant changes that occurred in each period. While evolution is not an easy subject to summarize, the authors have turned out a readable and understandable text. What makes this such a terrific book, especially for students, is the format. The illustrations are splendidly done; at least one picture on every page features the topic at hand in vivid detail. Brilliant photographs and beautifully rendered watercolors evoke the present and past environments. The tiniest detail is revealed on fossils billions of years old. A book that is guaranteed to circulate.?Catherine Noonan, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Kirk R. Johnson is Curator of Paleontology and Head of the Department of Earth Sciences at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Richard Stucky is Curator of Vice President of Museum Programs at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Roberts Rinehart; Updated edition (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570980454
• ISBN-13: 978-1570980459
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 9.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,448,175 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kirk R. Johnson is vice president and chief curator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. He received his PhD in geology and paleobotany from Yale University in 1989, and did postdoctoral research in the rainforests of northern Australia before coming to Denver in 1991, where he directed the installation of the museum's Prehistoric Journey exhibit. His research focuses on fossil plants, the environmental effects of the dinosaursmiting asteroid, and the birth and death of biomes. Johnson also works with artists to create accurate and plausible paintings, murals, and dioramas of prehistoric landscapes, several of which are on display in the Colorado Convention Center. Johnson is the author of Prehistoric Journey: A History of Life on Earth and Ancient Denvers: Scenes from the Past 300 Million Years of the Colorado Front Range . Johnson lives in Denver, Colorado.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing for newcomers to the subject., September 23, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prehistoric Journey: A History of Life on Earth (Paperback)

PREHISTORIC JOURNEY: A HISTORY OF LIFE ON EARTH blends photos of fine fossils with a written introduction to the history of life on earth, arranged chronologically for easy access and logical progression. The color photos and drawings come from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science's eight prehistoric habitat dioramas, and hold eye-catching, colorful displays especially intriguing for newcomers to the subject.

Diane C. Donovan

California Bookwatch

4.0 out of 5 stars Take an unsentimental journey, June 8, 2011

By 

Julie Ranae Vaughn - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prehistoric Journey: A History of Life on Earth (Paperback)

The feel of this book is "Old School" due to the diorama photographs from the Denver museum Johnson curates, but the information is up to date and arranged in a very user friendly way. The chronological arrangement of the book shows the estimated landmass appearance during the arrival of life in the ocean and then as it rises to land. The chapters start with artist's renderings for a period along with a description of the plants and animals from a specific area, followed by the fossil site photos and information that directly contribute to the understanding we have of the particular period covered.

While this book quite a serious turn from his other collaborative book with Ray Troll, "Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway" both accomplish an important goal. This book can bolster your overall knowledge of the progression of life on the Earth, while "Freeway" will make you glad you survived to explore it. Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway: An Epoch Tale of a Scientist and an Artist on the Ultimate 5,000-Mile Paleo Road Trip