Hands-on Palaeontology: a practical manual

This book is a practical manual that covers the many aspects of palaeontology, aimed at beginners and aspiring academics. It is organized in fifty-three chapters and can be read from cover-to-cover or dipped into for specific questions. It is informative, readable, and of practical application for all palaeontologists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2021
Publisher: Dunedin Academic Press

There exist a multitude of books on the subject of palaeontology, catering to a wide range of audiences, including amateurs, undergraduates, and aspiring academics. Among these, guides to fossil identification are particularly prevalent, spanning from general texts that provide an overview of fossil variety and morphology to more specific field guides that focus on particular groups, localities, or horizons. Many of these books are accessible, comprehensive, and offer valuable advice to readers. However, this particular book falls short of being a comprehensive guide to the field. Palaeontology encompasses much more than simply assigning names to specimens, although that may be a crucial aspect.

The book, as stated in its title, serves as a practical manual that encompasses various aspects of palaeontology. It is structured into fifty-three chapters, each dedicated to a specific aspect of palaeontology as viewed through the lens of a geologist with extensive training. The book can be read from cover to cover or consulted as needed, allowing readers to delve into the chapters that contain relevant tips, hints, and comments to enhance their understanding of their current interests.

Primarily aimed at beginners in the broadest sense, including both amateurs and undergraduates, this book is designed to serve as a valuable resource for palaeontologists and geologists alike. It encourages readers to utilize the book as both a reference and a source of information, dipping into the chapters that contain relevant insights to improve their grasp of their chosen field. The content is informative, readable, and, most importantly, practical in nature, making it an essential tool for all palaeontologists.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 159 x 234 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781780460970