An
informative document covering the history and evolutionary rise of
crinoids and trilobites to early ancestors of humans, Written in
Stone has broadened my understanding of fossil geology and
paleontology.
It
contains a large amount of content about the first scientists,
teachers, and researchers including Darwin, Nicolaus Steno, Charles
Lyell, and many others who helped contribute to the theories and
ideas we still look to today. For example, Steno's Law explains that
the oldest rocks and fossils are found deeper in the earth, while
younger and newer rocks and fossils are closer to the surface.
The book is somewhat difficult at times, but otherwise a fairly easy read. It also contains great images, diagrams, and portraits that convey an image of what these amazing organisms may have looked like in the past.
Brian
Switek has painted a picture of what life on earth was like millions
of years ago in this riveting book.
