Fossils: The Key to the Past

by Richard Fortey

Fossils: The Key to the Past is a comprehensive guide to the study and meaning of fossils. This new paperback edition has been fully revised and updated, reflecting advances in our understanding of the fossil record and the significance of new fossil finds. Palaeontologist Richard Fortey explains in accessible language what fossils are, how they form and how to identify them, and how they help us to understand Earth's geological past and the emergence of life.Drawing on all the latest research, including molecular palaeontology, he discusses evolution and extinction, the economic uses of fossils, such as oil and coal, as well as offering practical advice for making a fossil collection. Extensively illustrated in full colour throughout, with photographs from the collections at the Natural History Museum, Fossils: The Key to the Past will appealto all those with an interest in the history of life itself.

Genres: Science, Biology, Nonfiction, Geology, History, Palaeontology, Evolution

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Richard Alan Fortey was a British palaeontologist, natural historian, writer and television presenter, who served as president of the Geological Society of London for its bicentennial year of 2007.

Reviews

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably more of a reference book than one to read straight through; it’s beautifully illustrated with sketches and photographs reproducing common and interesting fossils, and it has advice on how to identify fossils, clean them up and store them, along with the relatively straightforward explanations of how fossils form, how they can be useful, and specific titbits on various different individual fossils.

The information wasn’t new to me, and it isn’t Fortey’s finest writing, though he can always make geology sound fascinating. It’s a beautiful book, though, and one I’ll definitely keep for reference.

Reviewed for the Bibliophibian.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though it does feel like a textbook or a guide for fossil-nerds, I enjoyed this book despite being neither a student nor overly interested in paleontology. I liked that Fortey gave enough history that I felt I learned a lot without going into so much detail that I was bored. He covers a wide array of topics so it's a great book for learning more about the history of the earth.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

MILF (man i love los fosiles)

[Bernie4444 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful enough for the coffee table – deep enough for a scholar.

If you are enamored of old fossils or if molecular paleontology is more your cup of tea you will enjoy this book. We are treated to the past present and future with a reminder that it has been 150 years since Darwin wrote his books in this book fills in many of the holes that were left by Darwin to fill in.

This is the fourth edition; in this edition, there have been a few corrections and many additions so if you have an earlier version of this book you will definitely want to buy this one also. The book pretty much covers the field of paleontology leaving no stone unturned or any fossil described. For the beginner paleontologist the terminologies, histories, and techniques are discussed.

The book itself is very sturdy and the pages are all glossy. Also, there are many color pictures with detailed diagrams and references for further reading.

Richard Fortey is also the author of "The Hidden Landscape”, "Life: an Unauthorized Biography" and “Trilobite: Eyewitness to Evolution".

[Hydre Lana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es un libro fascinante. Es mi primera introducción a los fósiles y a la geología en materia teórica. El libro está lleno de ejemplos de fósiles y pese a que tiene sus buenos 10 añazos ha envejecido bastante bien (en comparación con otros de la misma época sobre paleontología que he leído). Aunque la narración es un poco accidentada (poco fluida) la información que contiene está muy bien para los que no tenemos ni pajolera idea del tema. Cabe decir que en UK el tema de buscar fósiles no tiene que ver con el de España. En mi país te pones a excavar y se lía parda. Supongo que en Reino Unido el mercado negro de fósiles debe de ser lucrativo a más no poder ('Oh, Dios del capitalismo, para qué nos das fósiles si no podemos hacer negocio con ellos', deben de pensar).
En fin, libro muy recomendable para quién le guste el tema.

[Steve Van Slyke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This the third of Fortey's books that I've read. For someone just getting into paleontology and geology, it should probably be the first. It's a great introduction into the various phyla and divisions that have been preserved as fossils, explanations of why some organisms are fossilized while others aren't, and how fossils have and are still filling in the record of the evolution of life for the last 3.5 billion years. The photos and drawings that accompany the text are wonderful and amazing.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a revised edition, excellent overview of the description fossils give us of the evolution of the earth. A bIg book bought at the Drumheller museum in Alberta, to help me understand the era's and how they fit together, I was on information overload while seeing this wonderful place.
The book seems designed to read, not as I was doing right through, but topically as a reference. So it seemed repetitive in places. But a terrific resource.

[James Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! The book doesn't comprehensively cover anything but it does provide you with a nice overview of many different aspects of paleontology in a way which makes it accessible. It also provides a lot of practical information if you're looking to start fossil hunting yourself in the UK specifically though I believe the information would be useful in other locations too. Overall I'd say in very happy I took the time to read the book!

[John Rasmussen · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very clear presentation of fossils and paleontology. this book is targeted at the lay public and offers a great explanation of many concepts from paleontology and historical geology. The presentation is concise and complete. I enjoyed the general review of my college classes.

[Ian Whited · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though it has some errors and is written for a the lay person, this book can be a vital piece of literature for the burgeoning paleontologist. Richard Fortey once again makes it easy to understand the study of ancient life.

[Isabella]

Loved it.

[Art]

- heard about through Chet Raymo

[Alec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good introduction to fossils

[jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

.....wow there was really a lot going on here.... in a good way ofc!!!