Atlas of Life on Earth: The Earth, Its Landscape and Life Forms

I own a 2004 paperback edition, it is quite sturdy but mine does show a lot of ware - from frequent use! I just can not recommend the book highly enough! It covers Earth's geology, tectonics, changes in climate, and evolution of fauna and, to lesser extent, flora over the whole life-span of our planet. It does this in a very concise, approachable and entertaining format. There are numerous graphs, drawings and photographs illustrating various natural phenomena. My 4-year old likes to browse this book for the images of bizarre extinct animals. For a school-age child it holds countless learning possibilities, depending on the child's interests and age. And for an educated adult it provides a coherent, well researched view of the many various aspects of natural history working together, in perspective.

I read a lot of customer reviews when I am searching for new books to buy, and when I discovered there were no reviews for this fantastic book, I finally resolved to begin writing my own reviews. I purchased this book in 2001 around Christmas-time at Barnes & Noble, because I could see there were many graphs, charts, and scientific diagrams in it to accompany the text. I LOVE non-fiction reference type books that combine photos/illustrations along with solid scientific text, and this book tops the chart in both categories! It is quite simply the best book out there detailing everything of importance in earth's entire geologic timescale. From the origins of the planet, to the beginnings of arthropods and trilobites, to the rise of reptiles and mammals, every chapter has eye-popping illustrations and graphs to bring the text alive. I read A LOT, and even with weekly library trips, I still own hundreds of books. Most of them are reference books for the medical field, IT (Information Technology), or other non-fiction subjects. This book has held its "number one place" in my heart ever since 2001, and I highly recommend it for anyone who considers him or herself a "student of life" and has interest in how all of life evolved on our planet.