Encyclopedia of Paleontology

Around 200 people have contributed to this encyclopaedia. The result is a good, comprehensive account of fossil plants and animals; this both its strength and its limitation. There is much about fossil organisms but just sufficient on evolution to put the creatures in context. Strictly speaking that is what one would expect from a book on palaeontology, but some might expect more theory. The texts are well written and easily understood. There are many diagrams, charts, drawings and photographs which add to the value of the book. The thoroughness of the work makes it of wider use: for example, the...