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A History of Life in 100 Fossils
A History of Life in 100 Fossils showcases 100 key fossils that together illustrate the evolution of life on earth. Iconic specimens have been selected from the renowned collections of the two premier natural history museums in the world, the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, and the Natural History Museum, London. The fossils have been chosen not only for their importance in the history of life, but also because of the visual story they tell. This stunning book is perfect for all readers because its clear explanations and beautiful photographs illuminate the significance of these amazing pieces, including 500 million-year-old Burgess Shale fossils that provide a window into early animal life in the sea, insects encapsulated by amber, the first fossil bird Archaeopteryx , and the remains of our own ancestors.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
8 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Paul D. Taylor
26books2followersDr. Paul D. Taylor, PhD, is an invertebrate paleontologist specializing in bryozoans.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 10, 2023
Excellent book that totally lives up to its title, covering pretty much all of evolution's "greatest hits" - fins to legs, water to land, land back to water, dinosaur to bird, and all the rest. It also neatly explains such typical Creationist "gotcha" features as jaws, eyes, lungs, etc.
Unlike the attractive but busy layout of the Smithsonian/DK Eyewitness books, this standalone volume keeps it plain, simple and elegant - one full-color photo (although in their original browns and grays, the whole book has a classy duotone feel) with wrap-around type:
The book is filled with spectacular fossils like those shown here (and I could NOT believe the trilobite below was an actual 3-dimensional fossil and not a model, until I went to Google and saw dozens of similar ones); but even the photos of flat gray rock with just stripes or hazy imprints are ultimately fascinating, once you read about what they in fact represent.
I actually liked the fact that the book didn't include pictures of "what the actual dinosaur (or whatever) would have looked like," and instead focused on just the fossils.* That said, it really helped to keep my phone handy so I could Google things like Anomalocaris, Hallucigenia, or Helicoprion (which has to be seen to be believed).
THINGS I LEARNED: Difference between brachiopods and molluscs; the "Great American Biotic Exchange;" homologous vs. analogous evolution; discredited theory of "orthogenesis;" and Moas as the only truly wingless bird, which is why they look so weird - just two legs…and that's it! Also, I again realized that while evolution writ large is today a generally accepted fact,** the specific details remain very much a work in progress as new facts come to light.
Case in point: just since the book's 2014 publication, scientists are now refuting its claim that South America's thylacosmilus and the North American saber-tooth smilodon are examples of convergent evolution, (i.e., two separate animals evolving along similar paths to fill similar niches), but instead use their ostensibly similar canines to suit their different roles - smilodon as an apex predator who used its teeth to stab and kill, while thylacosmilus was more a scavenger whose teeth were adapted to rip open carcasses.*** Science!!
Okay - so I was almost turned away by the weird orange and lime type on the cover; but otherwise this book gets my HIGHEST recommendation, and is a far better purchase than a borrow.
______________________________
* Okay, so in the final index, there were SOME pictures of what certain fossils may have looked like in the flesh - but they were so ridiculously small that they were infinitely more annoying than actually useful.
** Nutters aside.
*** You can read more at: ).
Unlike the attractive but busy layout of the Smithsonian/DK Eyewitness books, this standalone volume keeps it plain, simple and elegant - one full-color photo (although in their original browns and grays, the whole book has a classy duotone feel) with wrap-around type:
The book is filled with spectacular fossils like those shown here (and I could NOT believe the trilobite below was an actual 3-dimensional fossil and not a model, until I went to Google and saw dozens of similar ones); but even the photos of flat gray rock with just stripes or hazy imprints are ultimately fascinating, once you read about what they in fact represent.
I actually liked the fact that the book didn't include pictures of "what the actual dinosaur (or whatever) would have looked like," and instead focused on just the fossils.* That said, it really helped to keep my phone handy so I could Google things like Anomalocaris, Hallucigenia, or Helicoprion (which has to be seen to be believed).
THINGS I LEARNED: Difference between brachiopods and molluscs; the "Great American Biotic Exchange;" homologous vs. analogous evolution; discredited theory of "orthogenesis;" and Moas as the only truly wingless bird, which is why they look so weird - just two legs…and that's it! Also, I again realized that while evolution writ large is today a generally accepted fact,** the specific details remain very much a work in progress as new facts come to light.
Case in point: just since the book's 2014 publication, scientists are now refuting its claim that South America's thylacosmilus and the North American saber-tooth smilodon are examples of convergent evolution, (i.e., two separate animals evolving along similar paths to fill similar niches), but instead use their ostensibly similar canines to suit their different roles - smilodon as an apex predator who used its teeth to stab and kill, while thylacosmilus was more a scavenger whose teeth were adapted to rip open carcasses.*** Science!!
Okay - so I was almost turned away by the weird orange and lime type on the cover; but otherwise this book gets my HIGHEST recommendation, and is a far better purchase than a borrow.
______________________________
* Okay, so in the final index, there were SOME pictures of what certain fossils may have looked like in the flesh - but they were so ridiculously small that they were infinitely more annoying than actually useful.
** Nutters aside.
*** You can read more at: ).
March 9, 2017
2 stars for writing, 4 for the photos.
The good: beautiful photographs, where the writing was clear it was often interesting, the writers didn't avoid talking about climate change or the evidence for human responsibility in megafauna extinction like many museums often do.
The bad: the lovely photos weren't captioned at all, nor were any elements pointed out. So you already had to know what you were looking for before you could see it in some of the more unusual fossils.
The writing could have used some serious proofreading-there were several places with commas missing, a right handed/left handed shell discussion got either waylaid or turned around halfway through, and the connection between text and image was often unclear. Introduced terms weren't particularly clear from context and a glossary would have been useful.
(And a pet peeve I didn't take stars away for-misuse of 'decimate' when destroyed would be more appropriate in the context of mass extinction events.)
The good: beautiful photographs, where the writing was clear it was often interesting, the writers didn't avoid talking about climate change or the evidence for human responsibility in megafauna extinction like many museums often do.
The bad: the lovely photos weren't captioned at all, nor were any elements pointed out. So you already had to know what you were looking for before you could see it in some of the more unusual fossils.
The writing could have used some serious proofreading-there were several places with commas missing, a right handed/left handed shell discussion got either waylaid or turned around halfway through, and the connection between text and image was often unclear. Introduced terms weren't particularly clear from context and a glossary would have been useful.
(And a pet peeve I didn't take stars away for-misuse of 'decimate' when destroyed would be more appropriate in the context of mass extinction events.)
May 10, 2015
Enjoyed this book. I have a degree in Bio, and wish I'd had a minor in Paleo, but took two others instead, English and Education. Go figure. But I love paleontology, always loved books on the topic, so this was a good catch-up and review (for me) about all the fossils, ideas, current and past thinking, etc., that I've always loved.
The book itself gives a quick overview of 100 fossils and their relative importance in the area of evolutionary history. The photographs are excellent; the choice of fossils superlative. There were only a few here and there I'd never heard of, but I read this book about ten pages at a time while finishing up lunch or waiting for my grandkids to arrive. (Many a time they had a to wait while I read 'one more page!')
Recommended for those with some knowledge of the past.
The book itself gives a quick overview of 100 fossils and their relative importance in the area of evolutionary history. The photographs are excellent; the choice of fossils superlative. There were only a few here and there I'd never heard of, but I read this book about ten pages at a time while finishing up lunch or waiting for my grandkids to arrive. (Many a time they had a to wait while I read 'one more page!')
Recommended for those with some knowledge of the past.
April 14, 2021
So fascinating! Each page layout has a large picture and information about the fossil and how it fits into our larger understanding of species. I found myself saying, did you know...? to everyone I saw.
November 15, 2017
A very good coffee-table type book, whose strongest points are the astonishing photographs of the authors' own "top-100" fossil representatives from the history of life. For the book's intended audience, and I assume, for practical reasons, the very readable text is brief and general in nature. As some reviewers have noted, there are some elemental typos in the opening pages of the book. However, to reject the entire book for that reason seams a bit petty.
May 10, 2024
"A Journey Through Eons: A Review of 'A History of Life in 100 Fossils'"
"A History of Life in 100 Fossils" by Paul D. Taylor is an enthralling voyage through the annals of time, encapsulating the story of life on Earth through the lens of paleontology. As an intermediate review, it's evident that this book serves as a captivating bridge between academic rigor and popular science, making it accessible to a wide audience with varying levels of familiarity with the subject matter.
One of the most commendable aspects of this book is its narrative structure. Instead of presenting a dry recitation of facts, each fossil serves as a narrative anchor, guiding readers through pivotal moments in evolutionary history. Whether it's the discovery of the iconic Archaeopteryx or the enigmatic Burgess Shale fauna, each fossil is brought to life through vivid descriptions and engaging anecdotes, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of life's journey.
Moreover, the author's ability to contextualize each fossil within its broader historical and scientific significance is truly commendable. From the Cambrian Explosion to the rise of mammals, readers are provided with a comprehensive overview of key evolutionary milestones, accompanied by insightful commentary on their broader implications for our understanding of life's history.
However, while the book excels in its storytelling and accessibility, some readers may find themselves craving more in-depth analysis. Given the constraints of covering 3.8 billion years of evolutionary history in a single volume, certain topics are inevitably treated with brevity. As such, readers with a deeper interest in paleontology may find themselves yearning for more detailed discussions on specific fossils or evolutionary phenomena.
Overall, "A History of Life in 100 Fossils" stands as a captivating synthesis of paleontological research, offering readers a compelling glimpse into the tapestry of life on Earth. While it may not satisfy the most ardent enthusiasts, its accessibility and narrative flair make it a valuable addition to any bookshelf, serving as both an informative primer and a source of inspiration for further exploration into the wonders of deep time.
"A History of Life in 100 Fossils" by Paul D. Taylor is an enthralling voyage through the annals of time, encapsulating the story of life on Earth through the lens of paleontology. As an intermediate review, it's evident that this book serves as a captivating bridge between academic rigor and popular science, making it accessible to a wide audience with varying levels of familiarity with the subject matter.
One of the most commendable aspects of this book is its narrative structure. Instead of presenting a dry recitation of facts, each fossil serves as a narrative anchor, guiding readers through pivotal moments in evolutionary history. Whether it's the discovery of the iconic Archaeopteryx or the enigmatic Burgess Shale fauna, each fossil is brought to life through vivid descriptions and engaging anecdotes, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of life's journey.
Moreover, the author's ability to contextualize each fossil within its broader historical and scientific significance is truly commendable. From the Cambrian Explosion to the rise of mammals, readers are provided with a comprehensive overview of key evolutionary milestones, accompanied by insightful commentary on their broader implications for our understanding of life's history.
However, while the book excels in its storytelling and accessibility, some readers may find themselves craving more in-depth analysis. Given the constraints of covering 3.8 billion years of evolutionary history in a single volume, certain topics are inevitably treated with brevity. As such, readers with a deeper interest in paleontology may find themselves yearning for more detailed discussions on specific fossils or evolutionary phenomena.
Overall, "A History of Life in 100 Fossils" stands as a captivating synthesis of paleontological research, offering readers a compelling glimpse into the tapestry of life on Earth. While it may not satisfy the most ardent enthusiasts, its accessibility and narrative flair make it a valuable addition to any bookshelf, serving as both an informative primer and a source of inspiration for further exploration into the wonders of deep time.
February 9, 2020
So often when one reads about transition fossils, early signs of life in the precambrian, or ancestors of us humans, the words attempt to evoke images to help us understand the importance of what is being described. "A History of Life in 100 Fossils" does the opposite -- it lets the magnificent images of 100 extinct species explain of how life formed, changed, and expanded through time. Beginning with images of the oldest fossils ever discovered, the author takes you through time through life's wonderous history on our planet, explaining key concepts of evolution along the way. Each fossil is devoted a single page, which makes the text of necessity concise and information-filled. A fascinating and unique look at earth's biological history.
October 20, 2024
This was no more than what the title said > 100 fossils. It could have been much more. It would have been nice if there had been a chart of the differant Eras and Epochs at the front. It turned out there was a colour one at the back. With each fossil it would have been nice if there was a condensed vbsion of the time scale with each fossil showing when that species lived. It would also have been helpful if there was a drawing (even if just in black and white) of what the lifeform looked like, as it wasn't always easy to discern features from the fossil, espacially when only segments were shown. It iurns out there were minature images in the appendix with less than a fifth showing such a reconstruction, but sadly less than the size of a dime.
July 4, 2017
I am kind of disappointed that I did not like this one as much as I thought I would. I guess I was hoping for a few more dino fossils, though in the grand scheme of things I also recognize it would be impossible to include more than one or two, seeing as how there are so many fossils to choose from. There were also a couple typos that I would overlook most of the time, but I can't here because this book is a product of the Smithsonian and thus held to a higher standard. I did find humor in the fact that where the random typos occurred, a previous library patron who had the book before I did had edited the book, crossing out incorrect words and inserting missing ones.
October 10, 2023
Beautiful photography of notable fossils in large format, arranged chronologically, from the earliest forms of life to the most recent era of fossil remains.
I would have found it slightly more valuable to see a reconstruction of the plant or animal fossil. But thank goodness for the internet, I just looked it up.
A good book for beginners, but also for us long time fossil lovers. An excellent addition to a school science library. Unless you are dealing with nutcase creationists.
I would have found it slightly more valuable to see a reconstruction of the plant or animal fossil. But thank goodness for the internet, I just looked it up.
A good book for beginners, but also for us long time fossil lovers. An excellent addition to a school science library. Unless you are dealing with nutcase creationists.
June 6, 2018
I think a coffee table book published by none other than the NHM should include more images for each fossil, I ended up image googling many of the organisms showcased in this book! And also a mini geological timeline for each fossil showing its place in the geological record would have been appreciated. Other than that it's a nice book.
February 6, 2023
This book was super interesting to read! However, there were a handful of grammar/spelling errors I noticed, and sometimes the author seemed to lose track of what the page was supposed to be about. Photos also could have been labeled better, but they were still really cool to look at and think about, and they were good photos. Also, I liked the layout/order of the book.
August 2, 2024
Moderately large format (22 x 27.5 cm) with full page photo of key fossil and modest page of text discussion. Published in Great Britain by Natural History Museum; published in U.S. by Smithsonian Books in association with the Natural History Museum.
March 19, 2021
A fascinating topic, but a bit of a slog in places, where it felt like the writing was trying too hard. I definitely learned a lot, though, and the photographs are amazing.
August 13, 2022
3.7⭐️
March 22, 2025
Gave me an existential crisis. Alarming amount of misspellings and formatting issues but decent overview of life on earth.
couldnt-get-into-it
December 3, 2014Since I only made it to page 17 I won't official rate this...but I'd give it 1 star based on the following.
When I saw this, I thought "cool, a giant picture book from the Smithsonian that will make me look smart 'n sciencey while maybe giving me a clue as to why past ages of the Earth have such confusing names.
Turning to the Introduction on page 4 I read:
"THE HISTORY OF LIFE IS WRITTEN is written in the rocks, or more precisely in the fossils contained within the rocks. "Either the authors were waxing poetic or else the editorial staff WAS SLEEPING was sleeping the day this manuscript crossed their desk.
Oh well, continuing on I reached page 6:
"These tiny fossils resemble modern cyanobacteria and represent just one of the many kinds microbial organisms that flourished on the Precambrian Earth."Their grammar is proving pre-Cambridgian...
Finally the pictures started (yay!), including images of the pre-Pangaean continents but with no explanation as to how they've determined the shape and arrangement of those landmasses. Guess we'll just have to take their word for it.
And then I reached pages 12-13. The picture would really help here but I can't for the life of me figure out how to insert images, so you'll just have to imagine that you're looking down on a white button mushroom cap that's been gold-plated and etched with the inner markings of a peace symbol (or else Google Doushantuo Formation). Across from this image is the following:
"In the Doushantuo Formation one can find beautifully preserved fossils that resemble, astonishingly, the embryos of modern animals. They are shaped by adjoining cells, suggesting a flexible membrane rather than the rigid membrane of algae or fungi. The number of cells is always to the power of two (1, 2, 4, 8, etc) characteristic of embryo cleavage..."Ok, as noted, the image shown looks like a mushroom with a peace sign on it, and as we all know, a peace sign has three sections. The last time I checked, which was two sentences ago, 3 is not a power of 2!
I'm sure there's a rational explanation for the disconnect between the image and text, but after a mere 13 pages my conclusion was that this was a shoddy and confusing effort by our nation's preeminent natural history museum to one-up Neil MacGregor's A History Of The World In 100 Objects by going back 3.9 billion years. Maybe they should have gone back in reading level as well and left it at "Here's a pretty rock. And look, here's another one!"
December 19, 2014
Due to the format, I suppose you'd have to call A History of Life in 100 Fossils a coffee table book. The book traces the evolution of life on earth from pre-Cambrian stromatolites to H. Heidelbergensis. When you consider that 99.99% of all the life that has existed on earth is no longer present and that most of that life never made it into the fossil record, the book provides only the most cursory glimpse into the panoply of life. A couple of things set the book apart. First, the photography is outstanding. Second, each photo is accompanied by a least one large format page of explanatory text, much more information than you get in most coffee table books. An interesting read that will stimulate you to consider just how unbelievably remarkable our planet is.
September 2, 2020
This was an amazing book. It had a nice episodic format where each fossil gets a two page spread and moves through geological time oldest to youngest. Each two page description is a short conversation peice that made this book excellent for introducing fossils to my partner.
The book discusses all manner of subjects from evolution to extinction and even some interesting history surrounding the specimen including the people who found them. I learnt alot and fell in love with this book! Best library book I have ever took out.
The book discusses all manner of subjects from evolution to extinction and even some interesting history surrounding the specimen including the people who found them. I learnt alot and fell in love with this book! Best library book I have ever took out.
November 18, 2015
Nice sound bite style coffee table book. Lovely photographs and illustrations integral to the book itself. A bit light on the histories and facts, left you wanting more than was given. Great introduction to the topic, though. Very approachable and easy to read.
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