Fossils: A Very Short Introduction

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Nature, Fossils, Science
Cover of the book Fossils: A Very Short Introduction by Keith Thomson, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Keith Thomson ISBN: 9780191578021
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: October 13, 2005
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Keith Thomson
ISBN: 9780191578021
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: October 13, 2005
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

Fossils have been vital to our understanding of the formation of the earth and the origins of all life on it. However, their impact has not been limited to debates about geology and evolution: attempts to explain their existence has shaken religion at its very roots, and they have remained a subject of ceaseless fascination for people of all ages and backgrounds. In this delightful book, Keith Thomson provides a remarkably all-encompassing explanation of fossils as a phenomenon. How did Darwin use fossils to support his theory of evolution? What are 'living fossils'? What fossils will we leave behind for future generations to examine? Building on the scientific aspects, he places fossils in a very human context, highlighting their impact on philosophy and mythology, our concept of time, and today's popular culture. What quickly becomes obvious is that the discovery of fossils and the ways in which they have been interpreted over time makes for fascinating reading. From the black market to the Piltdown Man, and from mythological dragons to living dinosaurs, fossils hold a permanent place in the popular imagination. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Fossils have been vital to our understanding of the formation of the earth and the origins of all life on it. However, their impact has not been limited to debates about geology and evolution: attempts to explain their existence has shaken religion at its very roots, and they have remained a subject of ceaseless fascination for people of all ages and backgrounds. In this delightful book, Keith Thomson provides a remarkably all-encompassing explanation of fossils as a phenomenon. How did Darwin use fossils to support his theory of evolution? What are 'living fossils'? What fossils will we leave behind for future generations to examine? Building on the scientific aspects, he places fossils in a very human context, highlighting their impact on philosophy and mythology, our concept of time, and today's popular culture. What quickly becomes obvious is that the discovery of fossils and the ways in which they have been interpreted over time makes for fascinating reading. From the black market to the Piltdown Man, and from mythological dragons to living dinosaurs, fossils hold a permanent place in the popular imagination. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book A Foot in the River by Keith Thomson
Cover of the book The Epic Distilled by Keith Thomson
Cover of the book Transcending the Cold War by Keith Thomson
Cover of the book Oxford Handbook of Respiratory Medicine by Keith Thomson
Cover of the book The Book of Margery Kempe by Keith Thomson
Cover of the book The Ends of Harm by Keith Thomson
Cover of the book When Human Rights Clash at the European Court of Human Rights by Keith Thomson
Cover of the book End of life choices by Keith Thomson
Cover of the book Corrective Justice by Keith Thomson
Cover of the book Preliminary References to the European Court of Justice by Keith Thomson
Cover of the book The Judicial House of Lords by Keith Thomson
Cover of the book Aid and Development by Keith Thomson
Cover of the book Treatment of Contracts in Insolvency by Keith Thomson
Cover of the book Oxford Handbook of Medical Imaging by Keith Thomson
Cover of the book Principles and Values in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice: Essays in Honour of Andrew Ashworth by Keith Thomson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy