Description
In part by reason of deaths that occurred in prehistoric times, we can celebrate life today. A History of Life in 100 Fossils illustrates the origin of life in the universe by showcasing fossils that represent times past through the present day, found on all continents from the Arctic to the Antarctic, and from global east to west.
Paul Taylor’s career at the Natural History Museum in London, and Aaron O’Dea’s years as a scientist at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, have drawn together a wondrous compilation to show incremental development and unexpected discoveries. The flawlessly reproduced images, alongside facing-page essays, give enough information to furnish a chapter. The fossil sizes and location are supplied in the closing pages.
Readers drawn to recognize the presence of plant and animal records reach from microscopic fragments to the glyptodont, almost the size of a VW bug. Even more intriguing, the coelacanth, a fish long believed extinct, was netted by a trawler captain in South Africa in 1938.
What determines the value of a book? The contents, the interpretation, fascination, or admiration? All are present here, and while the word ‘educational’ will surely come to mind, “enjoyable” will share equally.