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Dry Store Room No. 1: The Secret Life of the Natural History Museum |
A former palaeontologist himself at the museum, Fortey provides both a tour of the hidden galleries and collections of the Natural History Museum as well as a gossip-filled portrait of the many eccentrics, loners and geniuses who have worked there. Whilst acknowledging and embracing the changing role of the institution, he still makes the case for the less obviously commercial but still vital scientific endeavours driven by these misfits in their isolated, Ghormenghast-like galleries.
(Clive Yelf - bwl 73 Summer 2014) |
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Trilobite! |
Trilobites were small, marine dwelling animals that filled our oceans from around 545 to 250 million years ago (about three million years in total). Now extinct, their remains are commonly found as fossils all over the world. Trilobites are Richard Fortey's specialization and obsession. In 'Trilobite!' he succeeds in communicating his life long passion for them, for palaeontology and for life in general. This book is a joy to read and I highly recommend it.
(Mark Baker - bwl 9 June 2001) |
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Trilobite! - Eyewitness to Evolution |
It's surprising how interesting one person's obsession can be if they've the enthusiasm and an ability to communicate it. A book on an obscure branch of palaeontology actually had me ferreting around local rock-shops trying to spot a Calymene or a Phacops or two. 300 million years provides a huge evolutionary canvas but only the fragmentary evidence of shells and limbs. The detective work behind the conclusions provides a fascinating glimpse into a long-dead world.
(Clive Yelf - bwl 28 February 2005) |
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