The Story Of Earth & Life: A Southern African Perspective on a 4.6-Billion-Year Journey

First came across this book in South Africa but found it here - thought it was an up-to-date school book - and then could not put it down. Full of accessible information so well written that one must applaud scientists who so well avoid jargon and the prolix sentence. The photographs could have come from a travel magazine: use of color,and layout, on quality paper. It tells the story of an early earth when the continents split, and India and Antarctica parted company, where the comets hit, where the fossils are to be found, and the ancient history of rocks. And then an overview of to-day animals and landscape. It even suggests the spot where southern Africa is now splitting apart from Congo.Overall it had that "whats on the next page attraction" - even 70 years after leaving school.(My first copy I lent to a special friend - never got it back - be warned)

An excellent book on the geology of the area. I intend on using it for my study abroad class.

A fantastic book for anyone interested in either geology and how our planet evolved over the last (almost) 5 billion years.While it does concentrate on Southern Africa, the geological experience is rather universal.Southern Africa is also the cradle of humankind, so the fossil evidence of our species is rather interesting

this was a gift

This is a fantastic book with a great deal of valuable facts and knowledge. Especially good for anyone studying in this field or just for the person wishing to increase their general knowledge. It contains lots of illustrations and information in an easy to read format.

I read this book some years ago but lost it before I finished it. I purchased another copy and have enjoyed reading it - taking time to properly understand the considerable information presented. Having toured around Southern Africa more extensively in the last few years the information comes even more alive - I will probably take the book around with me in future trips through geologically interesting regions.

excellent book

Fascinating read

Great book, very informative. This book is well illustrated with diagrams and tables. Good book to use for projects and studying

Dense but very interesting read