FOSSILS INSIDE OUT

A debut natural history book provides an introduction to fossils and their enthusiasts.

In this illustrated work, Wiewandt combines high-quality images with descriptive text to guide readers through the world of fossils, paleontology, and evolution. The volume opens at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, where dealers from around the world offer genuine and replica fossils to collectors. The book then moves to explanations of what fossils are, how they form, and how their study helps scientists understand the relationships between extinct species and the plants and animals that exist today. With graphics that concisely summarize information and color photographs (by the author and others) that serve as examples of ideas discussed in the text, the volume explores concepts like the calculation of a fossil’s age, laws regarding fossil excavation and export, and the evidence for major extinction events, including a comparison of contemporary climate change to historical conditions. The book also goes into the substantial amount of work involved in preparing authentic and replica fossils for display. Wiewandt’s solid text is enlightening without being pedantic (“The size, shape, and bite pattern of these holes strongly suggest that ammonites were on the mosasaurian menu”). But the illustrations are the volume’s greatest strength. Expertly designed spreads draw readers’ attention to detailed images that serve as examples of topics covered in the narrative. Captions are comprehensive, and they concisely demonstrate the complex and interconnected nature of paleontology work—for instance, the text accompanying a photo of a reproduction of a pterosaur describes the animal, identifies the museum that is home to the model, and credits the artists who designed and built it. With its wide-ranging and illuminating text and its attractive presentation of vibrant images, the book is likely to appeal to both novices and paleontology fans (aficionados will find plenty of suggestions for further reading in the multipage, annotated bibliography). The author’s enthusiasm for the subject is evident on every page, making the work an instructive and highly enjoyable reading experience.

A well-designed and well-written guide to fossils, evolution, and more.