Fossils: A Very Short Introduction by Keith Thomson (English) Paperback Book

The Nile on eBay   Fossils by Keith Thomson

Addresses question such as: how did Darwin use fossils to support his theory of evolution? What are 'living fossils'? Building on the scientific aspects, this book places fossils in a human context, highlighting their impact on philosophy, mythology, our concept of time, and popular culture. It provides an explanation of fossils as a phenomenon.

FORMATPaperback LANGUAGEEnglish CONDITIONBrand New Publisher Description

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-encompassingexplanation 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 toget 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.

Back Cover

All your Windows 7 questions answered-on the spot!If you need quick answers as you install, configure, and administer Windows 7, keep this indispensable guide on hand. Designed for busy IT professionals, it's the perfect go-to reference. Find easy-to-read lists, quick-reference tables, helpful thumb tabs, and much more in a handy, compact format that puts the information you need at your fingertips.Topics include:Performing a clean install of Windows 7 or upgrading from Windows VistarAutomating installation across hundreds of machines with the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010Configuring file systems, disks, users, and groupsSetting up network connectivity and securityAccessing and configuring Internet Explorerr and other applicationsMaintaining and optimizing Windows 7

Author Biography

Keith Thomson is Professor and Director of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. He writes a regular column for American Scientist, and has published over 200 scientific and popular articles. Publications also include Treasure on Earth (Faber 2002), The Common But Less Frequent Loon (Yale, 1996--nominated for national book award), and The Watch on the Heath (under preparation with HarperCollins).

Table of Contents

1: Introduction2: A cultural phenomenon3: In the popular imagination4: Some things we know, some things we don't5: Against the odds6: Bringing fossils to life7: Evolving8: Of molecules and man9: Fakes and fortunes10: Back to the futureFurther reading

Long Description

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-encompassingexplanation 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 toget 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.

Promotional "Headline"

1. Introduction 2. A cultural phenomenon 3. In the popular imagination 4. Some things we know, some things we don't 5. Against the odds 6. Bringing fossils to life 7. Evolving 8. Of molecules and man 9. Fakes and fortunes 10. Back to the future Further reading

Feature

A unique approach: The first book to bring together the science and the cultural impact of fossils.Fossils hold a permanent place in the popular imagination.An immensely readable account from one of the world's leading authorities.

Details ISBN0192805045 Short Title FOSSILS Series Very Short Introductions Language English ISBN-10 0192805045 ISBN-13 9780192805041 Media Book Format Paperback DEWEY 560 Year 2005 Imprint Oxford University Press Subtitle A Very Short Introduction Place of Publication Oxford Country of Publication United Kingdom DOI 10.1604/9780192805041 Series Number 138 UK Release Date 2005-10-13 NZ Release Date 2005-10-13 Illustrator Qu Lan Birth 1927 Affiliation Senior Lecturer, University of Sydney Position Senior Lecturer Qualifications PhD Author Keith Thomson Pages 160 Publisher Oxford University Press Publication Date 2005-10-13 Illustrations 1 table, 3 line drawings, numerous halftones and black and white illustrations Audience General AU Release Date 2005-11-30 We've got this

At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it.With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love!

TheNile_Item_ID:2926792;