The Young Oxford Book of the Prehistoric World - Softcover

Bailey, Jill; Seddon, Tony

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9780195214444: The Young Oxford Book of the Prehistoric World

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195214447 ISBN 13: 9780195214444

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2000

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The Earth is home, according to one estimate, to some 3,000 million million million million living things. But that's just a fraction of those that have existed throughout history. Vast mountain ranges have risen and been worn away. Continents have broken up and drifted across the globe only to collide again to form new land masses. This book is the story of the Earth from its fiery beginning to the arrival of man.
An introductory chapter focuses on the processes that underlie the development of life on Earth. Each of the following chapters examines a single period of geological time and introduces us to terrific trilobites, amazing ammonites, dynamic dinosaurs, and humble humans. Throughout are fascinating sidebars and an index, glossary, and extensive timeline are added as excellent study and research tools to enable the reader to access information in several different ways.
From the beginning of the universe, through the beginnings of life, to the arrival of humans, The Young Oxford Book of the Prehistoric World tells the story of life and death throughout the centuries, and how every living thing that is or ever was contributes to the rich and complex world that is the Earth today.

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About the Author:

Tony Seddon is Director of Educational Publishing at Cambridge University Press. He has written numerous books on the living world, including several on the Caribbean, an area in which he has a particular interest.
Jill Bailey followed her degree in botany with teaching and research in the ecology and biochemistry of plants. She has written over 50 books for children and adults.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4-6?Divided into two major sections, "The Evolving Planet" and "The History of Life," this is a clear and comprehensive work that begins with the Big Bang Theory and concludes with the evolution of humankind. The sections are subdivided into smaller chapters (5-10 pages each), e.g., "Origin of Earth," "Evolution of Life," and "Dynamic Dinosaurs." Full-color photographs and diagrams emphasize the principles discussed. The text is approachable and filled with suitable examples. The coverage of subtopics is thorough and logical. There are excellent analyses of subjects such as rock formation, the continental drift, and fossils. "History of Life" is divided into the various periods (e.g., Precambrian, Devonian, Jurassic), and the authors provide a balanced presentation of plant, animal, and sea life. Shaded gray boxes throughout offer added information to support, illustrate, or expand upon the theories mentioned. These sidebars sometimes include experiments or mention significant breakthroughs. The book includes a comprehensive index, useful glossary, and an annotated time table of the history of life on Earth. The structured arrangement of the material makes this volume useful for reference; however, the lively and accessible text and format will entice browsers. Far superior to and far more comprehensive than Prehistoric Life (Knopf, 1994), this title is a welcome addition.
Olga Kuharets, New York Public Library
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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