“Switek seamlessly intertwines two types of evolution: one of life on earth and the other of paleontology itself.â€Â—Discover Magazine““In delightful prose; [Switek] . . . superbly shows that ‘[i]f we can let go of our conceit;’ we will see the preciousness of life in all its forms.â€Â—Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Highly instructive . . . a warm; intelligent yeoman’s guide to the progress of life.â€Â—Kirkus Reviews“Magisterial . . . part historical account; part scientific detective story. Switek’s elegant prose and thoughtful scholarship will change the way you see life on our planet. This book marks the debut of an important new voice.â€Â—Neil Shubin“Elegantly and engagingly crafted; Brian Switek’s narrative interweaves stories and characters not often encountered in books on paleontology—at once a unique; informative and entertaining read.â€Â—Niles Eldredge“If you want to read one book to get up to speed on evolution; read Written in Stone. Brian Switek’s clear and compelling book is full of fascinating stories about how scientists have read the fossil record to trace the evolution of life on Earth.â€Â—Ann Gibbons“[Switek's] accounts of dinosaurs; birds; whales; and our own primate ancestors are not just fascinating for their rich historical detail; but also for their up-to-date reporting on paleontology’s latest discoveries.â€Â—Carl Zimmer"After reading this book; you will have a totally new context in which to interpret the evolutionary history of amphibians; mammals; whales; elephants; horses; and especially humans.â€Â—Donald R. ProtheroSpectacular fossil finds make today's headlines; new technology unlocks secrets of skeletons unearthed a hundred years ago. Still; evolution is often poorly represented by the media and misunderstood by the public. A potent antidote to pseudoscience; Written in Stone is an engrossing history of evolutionary discovery for anyone who has marveled at the variety and richness of life.
#985089 in Books Nicholas Brealey Publishing 2008-11-20Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .75 x 6.00l; .65 #File Name: 1931930597228 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An excellent overview of Russia by a former diplomat from the ...By Jacqueline HertzAn excellent overview of Russia by a former diplomat from the Cold War era offering an understandable and concise history of Russia as well as insight into the Russian psyche and how it compares and contrasts with the American one. Practical advice in relating to Russians is balanced with loftier reflections on the history of Russia and what makes Russians (and Americans) tick. If you are an American looking to understand how Russians are so similar yet so different from us; this book is a wonderful start to unraveling that mystery. Highly recommended read when tensions between Russia and the USA are rising again. Really can't recommend this book more strongly because it packs so much information and insight into relatively few pages. All I can say is if you are remotely considering this book; please read it. I doubt you will be disappointed.11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Mostly acurate; but too gloomyBy Anna UlanovaI am a first generation Russian immigrant - grew up in Russia and Ukraine and came to US at the age of 23 in 2003. I bought this book to find some articulations of what I have experienced; I need it for one of my classes in grad school. I started reading last night and almost got all the way through; what I can tell you at this point is - the author seems credible. I was offended by some of the things and some I feel were exaggerated... Overall; most of it sounds true for describing my grandparents; younger generations are a lot more westernized; living in a fast-paced world where everyone has to work for themselves and stay afloat in the global economy. If you are planning a trip to Russia; definitely read the book and you'll be more relaxed once you get there. Expect the worst; but hope for the best! :)I also bought The Russian Way because they offered me a deal if I buy both; which is a great disappointment. From Nyet to Da is a lot more informed and experience based than The Russian Way; has a better tone and is a lot more interesting to read0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ExcellentBy ReaganAmazing book and at least 99.9% true. A must-read for anyone going to Russia; studying Russia or communism. This book helped me so much during my stay in the Motherland and made adjusting to the unique lifestyle easier. From explaining the frowning Russian conundrum to describing how to understand the roots of communism; this book has everything you need to know but is written in such a way you feel as if you are sitting by a samovar with an old comrade.
