Rocks and Fossils: A Visual Guide

by Robert R. Coenraads

Uncover the intriguing world beneath our feet Rocks and Fossils reveal the state of the planet now and what the future may bring, including clues about the shifting, changing nature of the continents, mountain ranges, oceans, and islands. Rocks and Fossils is a beautifully illustrated book that brings life to the seemingly timeless landscape. It explains geological concepts in relevant and familiar terms. Lively illustrations reveal a vast, hidden world via cross-sections and cutaways with explanatory captions. The book explores the internal engine of our planet -- the liquid iron core unique among terrestrial planets, which is the catalyst for the creation and destruction of land, mountain, and oceans. Rocks and Fossils is organized in six main Rocks and Fossils explains the fossil record to show how prehistoric lifeforms are linked to plants and animals still on Earth. Why did some species survive and others perish? What does the future hold?

Genres: Reference, Geology, Science, Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published September 3, 2005

About the author

My name's Robert Coenraads and I'm holding a rock in my hand. That's because as well as being an author I'm also a geologist. I'm deeply interested in the our planet Earth, its fiery birth some 4,600 million years ago, and the evolution of its rich variety of life that exists today.

When I'm not writing books, I work in mineral exploration, searching the planet for exotic metals, precious gemstones and ornamental rocks like the piece of gem turquoise I have in my hand.

My great passion for writing blossomed since discovering the great joy of distilling humankind's vast reservoirs of knowledge and spiritual truths for others to enjoy and benefit from.

Over the years, I've been invited to write, contribute to, or consult on quite a number of books — grand 'coffee table style' publications packed with world-class photographs, mostly titles to do with the natural sciences such as Rocks & Fossils, Geologica, Natural Disasters and Extreme Earth because that is my area of expertise.

I especially enjoy my own personal creative writing — novels on themes which enable me to explore the intricacies of human relationships and potential.

I am also founding president of FreeSchools World Literacy in Australia, an organisation dedicated to the education of underprivileged children as I believe a good education is key to solving all of the world's problems. This is such a strong belief of mine that it can't help but reflect in my writing.