Wonderful Life The Burgess Shale & the Nature of History: Stephen Jay Gould: Trade Paperback: 9780393307009: Powell's Books (original) (raw)

Synopses & Reviews

High in the Canadian Rockies is a small limestone quarry formed 530 million years ago called the Burgess Shale. It hold the remains of an ancient sea where dozens of strange creatures lived--a forgotten corner of evolution preserved in awesome detail. In this book Stephen Jay Gould explores what the Burgess Shale tells us about evolution and the nature of history.

Review

"Luminous. . . . Filled with profound and upsetting ideas like the Burgess Shale itself and just as solid. It is surely one of nature's best stories, told with a light touch by a master of the field." Science

Review

"Gould at his best. . . . The message of history is superbly conveyed. . . . Recommended reading for scientists and nonscientists of all persuasions." Walter C. Sweet

Review

"There is no question about the historical importance of the Burgess Shale, and Gould is right when he says that it deserves a place in the public consciousness along with big bangs and black holes. . . . A compelling story, told with characteristic verve." Science

Synopsis

"[An] extraordinary book. . . . Mr. Gould is an exceptional combination of scientist and science writer. . . . He is thus exceptionally well placed to tell these stories, and he tells them with fervor and intelligence."--James Gleick,

About the Author

Stephen Jay Gould (1941-2002), a professor of science at Harvard University, was the author of more than twenty books. He received the National Book Award for Wonderful Life and the National Book Critics Circle award for The Mismeasure of Man.