Fossils: The Key to the Past (Hardcover)

by Richard Fortey (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
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 )

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 )

[This book] is written in a clear and engaging style, technical terms are minimized but well defined, and complex concepts are simplified yet accurately presented such that both novice and professional will profit from this work...Fortey's many years of service as a paleontologist with the British Museum of Natural History prepared him well for the technical material presented, but his superb writing ability will account for much of the probable success of this book. It should appeal...to anyone interested in a very readable account of the history of life on our planet. (Choice ) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description
This thorough introduction to the world of paleontology has been completely revised and updated, reflecting changes in the ways that fossils are viewed and interpreted. Using the fluid writing style that made Trilobite! Eyewitness to Evolution such a success, Dr. Fortey brings the study of fossils into the twenty-first century.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Smithsonian Books; 3 Sub edition (March 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1588340236
• ISBN-13: 978-1588340238
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,037,125 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Prizes from paleontology, November 2, 2003

By	Stephen A. Haines (Ottawa, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Fossils: The Key to the Past (Paperback)

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]

4.0 out of 5 stars A good picture book, January 25, 2009

By	R. Bagula "Roger L. Bagula" (Lakeside, Ca United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Fossils: The Key to the Past (Paperback)

I'm finally beginning to recognize some of these forms.
I should have taken a course in this sort of geological history in college
instead of having to pick it up after the fact.
This is a very good beginning text or reference on fossils
and how they got where we find them today.
Geology and evolution form the overall picture.
The devil is in the detail which this book lacks, like where coal, oil and mineral fit in?

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fossils:the key to the past, February 22, 2008

By	Pat B. Unger (Indialantic, Fl United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Fossils: The Key to the Past (Paperback)

all of the works i'm familiar with are authoritative and well written for a general readership. the emphasis on origins of life, evolution and extinction is notably useful and informative