The History of Life
A Very Short Introduction

The Evolutionary Tree Of Life The Very Short Introductions Series of Oxford University Press offers busy readers the opportunity to revisit subjects and to branch out and learn new things. It also allows readers to compare different ways of asking questions. For example, I recently read Terry Eagleto......more

Not a bad book if you expect an introduction into historical monumental challenges of paleontology. It was not so interesting as to draw me in. It certainly was not as interesting as the title suggests. However, it might be interesting to people who already are interested in the subject.......more

Excellent and very readable. As a 'Very Short Introduction' it fits the bill admirably. I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in the subject with one caveat: it could be slightly tough going and confusing in places for anyone without a basic scientific background and familiarity with the h......more

I knew I would love this little book when the opening paragraph concluded with "...or at least merely microscopic beasts of extreme simplicity floating in the primordial ocean." Science books are best when written by people who love their subject matter, and Professor Benton loves paleontology. A gre......more

3 1/4 stars......more