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Written in Stone: Evolution, the Fossil Record, and Our Place in Nature
“Switek seamlessly intertwines two types of one of life on earth and the other of paleontology itself.”— Discover Magazine ““In delightful prose, [Switek] . . . superbly shows that ‘[i]f we can let go of our conceit,’ we will see the preciousness of life in all its forms.”— Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Highly instructive . . . a warm, intelligent yeoman’s guide to the progress of life.”— Kirkus Reviews “Magisterial . . . part historical account, part scientific detective story. Switek’s elegant prose and thoughtful scholarship will change the way you see life on our planet. This book marks the debut of an important new voice.”—Neil Shubin “Elegantly and engagingly crafted, Brian Switek’s narrative interweaves stories and characters not often encountered in books on paleontology—at once a unique, informative and entertaining read.”—Niles Eldredge “If you want to read one book to get up to speed on evolution, read Written in Stone. Brian Switek’s clear and compelling book is full of fascinating stories about how scientists have read the fossil record to trace the evolution of life on Earth.”—Ann Gibbons “[Switek's] accounts of dinosaurs, birds, whales, and our own primate ancestors are not just fascinating for their rich historical detail, but also for their up-to-date reporting on paleontology’s latest discoveries.”—Carl Zimmer "After reading this book, you will have a totally new context in which to interpret the evolutionary history of amphibians, mammals, whales, elephants, horses, and especially humans.”—Donald R. Prothero Spectacular fossil finds make today's headlines; new technology unlocks secrets of skeletons unearthed a hundred years ago. Still, evolution is often poorly represented by the media and misunderstood by the public. A potent antidote to pseudoscience, Written in Stone is an engrossing history of evolutionary discovery for anyone who has marveled at the variety and richness of life.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
97 people are currently reading
1898 people want to read
About the author
Brian Switek
4 books133 followersBrian Switek has loved fossils and natural history since he was knee-high to a Stegosaurus, and he's turned that passion into a writing career encompassing articles, blogs, and books for outlets ranging from National Geographic and Nature to Slate and the Wall Street Journal.
His first book, Written in Stone, was published in 2010, followed by My Beloved Brontosaurus (2013), the National Geographic special issue When Dinosaurs Ruled (2014), and the children's book Prehistoric Predators (2015). His next book, about the evolutionary stories wrapped up in our very bones, will be published by Riverhead in 2017.
Brian lives in Salt Lake City with a clowder of four cats, his faithful canine companion Jet, and his wife Tracey. When not tapping away at the desk, he can usually be found wandering the desert with museum crews looking for what's left of the non-avian dinosaurs.
His first book, Written in Stone, was published in 2010, followed by My Beloved Brontosaurus (2013), the National Geographic special issue When Dinosaurs Ruled (2014), and the children's book Prehistoric Predators (2015). His next book, about the evolutionary stories wrapped up in our very bones, will be published by Riverhead in 2017.
Brian lives in Salt Lake City with a clowder of four cats, his faithful canine companion Jet, and his wife Tracey. When not tapping away at the desk, he can usually be found wandering the desert with museum crews looking for what's left of the non-avian dinosaurs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
September 20, 2021
Brian Switek might be a little much if your interest in paleontology is casual, but for the serious dinosaur buff and fossil freak he is a guru in gabardine.
My only issue with Switek’s take, and it is a relatively minor quibble, is his assertion that ‘punctuated equilibrium’ is the most probable catalyst for speciation. I’m just not onboard with the Stephen Jay Gould theorem that evolution is “rare and geologically rapid.”*
*I have a rather detailed dissertation on the shortcomings of punctuated equilibrium theory, but I’ll save that for my review(s) of Gould.
My only issue with Switek’s take, and it is a relatively minor quibble, is his assertion that ‘punctuated equilibrium’ is the most probable catalyst for speciation. I’m just not onboard with the Stephen Jay Gould theorem that evolution is “rare and geologically rapid.”*
*I have a rather detailed dissertation on the shortcomings of punctuated equilibrium theory, but I’ll save that for my review(s) of Gould.
September 15, 2021
Evolution seems so obvious today that it is hard to understand why it took so long for it to become widely known. In essence, evolution can be summed up with the phrase “descent with modification.” In every generation more offspring are produced than an environment can support, so there is a ruthless culling of all but the best adapted. Even small advantages can have big results if they allow an individual to survive long enough to reproduce and pass on their genes. Eventually, as generations pass, species become better and better adapted to their environment. No angels, no demons, no supernatural forces required.
This book focuses not on the grand sweep of evolving life, but on specific examples of changes over time. It looks at the fossil record of animals such as fish, whales, birds, horses, and good old homo sapiens and his predecessors. Each of these has its own fascinating story of change and survival, and the fossil record, while not complete, clearly shows the accumulating changes over time. In birds, for example, feathers that originally evolved for warmth and coloration displays gradually provided a gliding capability when paired with forelegs modifying into wings. Once these changes indicated clear survival advantages, other adaptations were selected for, such as lighter bones and stronger flight muscles. And thus, slowly and over a very long time, one family of reptiles became birds. It is an amazing story, and the stories of the fish, the whales, and the hominins are just as interesting.
It is also a story of the people who made the discoveries. For a very long time religion seemed to provide all the answers: marine fossils in strata high up in mountains? – Noah’s flood, of course. A multitude of subspecies, each perfectly adapted to its own niche environment? – why, it’s God’s plan, can’t you see? The many similarities between humans and apes? – You should stop asking questions, heretic.
Solving the puzzle of evolution took not only intelligence and determination, but also the courage to question religion. It happened slowly, one generation’s answers building upon those that went before, until finally Darwin (and Alfred Russell Wallace, independently) put all the pieces together, and then it seemed so obvious. When Thomas Huxley read Origin of Species he couldn’t believe he had not thought of it himself.
This book provides an excellent introduction to how evolution works, and its examples are clear and informative. It should – but it won’t – put to rest the old claim that there are no transitional fossils, because the people who cling to religious explanations will not read books like this anyway. You should read it, though. It’s well worth your time.
This book focuses not on the grand sweep of evolving life, but on specific examples of changes over time. It looks at the fossil record of animals such as fish, whales, birds, horses, and good old homo sapiens and his predecessors. Each of these has its own fascinating story of change and survival, and the fossil record, while not complete, clearly shows the accumulating changes over time. In birds, for example, feathers that originally evolved for warmth and coloration displays gradually provided a gliding capability when paired with forelegs modifying into wings. Once these changes indicated clear survival advantages, other adaptations were selected for, such as lighter bones and stronger flight muscles. And thus, slowly and over a very long time, one family of reptiles became birds. It is an amazing story, and the stories of the fish, the whales, and the hominins are just as interesting.
It is also a story of the people who made the discoveries. For a very long time religion seemed to provide all the answers: marine fossils in strata high up in mountains? – Noah’s flood, of course. A multitude of subspecies, each perfectly adapted to its own niche environment? – why, it’s God’s plan, can’t you see? The many similarities between humans and apes? – You should stop asking questions, heretic.
Solving the puzzle of evolution took not only intelligence and determination, but also the courage to question religion. It happened slowly, one generation’s answers building upon those that went before, until finally Darwin (and Alfred Russell Wallace, independently) put all the pieces together, and then it seemed so obvious. When Thomas Huxley read Origin of Species he couldn’t believe he had not thought of it himself.
This book provides an excellent introduction to how evolution works, and its examples are clear and informative. It should – but it won’t – put to rest the old claim that there are no transitional fossils, because the people who cling to religious explanations will not read books like this anyway. You should read it, though. It’s well worth your time.
June 24, 2011
Written in Stone: Evolution, the Fossil Record, and Our Place in Nature by Brian Switek
“Written in Stone” is a “solid” scientific book from freelance science writer Brian Switek. This book focuses on the history of fossil evidence in support of evolution. The 320-page book is composed of the following ten chapters: The Living Rock, Moving Mountains, From Fins to Fingers, Footprints and Feathers on the Sands of Time, The Meek Inherit the Earth, As Monstrous as a Whale, Behemoth, On a Last Leg, Through the Looking Glass, and Time and Chance.
Positives:
1. Well researched, well written book that is accessible to the masses.
2. Very respectful and pleasant tone throughout.
3. Evolution through the eyes of paleontologists, geologists, archeologists…The book focuses on fossils, their discoveries and how they inspire scientific discussions that ultimately lead to a consensus or even more questions.
4. Fabulous use of drawings and illustrations. I also want to thank Mr. Switek for providing photos of many of the scientists involved in this book. I understand that there are legal issues involving the use of photos and such but it’s refreshing to see an author go out of his way to provide that to the readers. It makes reading that much more enjoyable.
5. The core of paleontology discussed.
6. Interesting tidbits throughout the book.
7. The always fascinating clash of science and religion.
8. Many brief historical accounts of scientists and their impact.
9. The explanation of evolutionary history based on mainly fossil evidence of some of our main species: fish, birds, whales, elephants, horses and of course humans.
10. Does a great job of dispelling Lamarck’s contention that life appeared to be progressive (well you know with a little help from Darwin…).
11. Transitional fossils and some very good examples.
12. Archaeopteryx in updated context.
13. The curveball that was the platypus.
14. The impact of mass extinctions. Various accounts and theories.
15. Hoaxes exposed. “Piltdown man” as an example.
16. Vestigial traits. As an example, living whales retain vestiges of their hips and hind limbs.
17. The curious tale of Thomas Jefferson regarding national pride in correlation to natural history. Loved that.
18. Examples of punctuated equilibrium.
19. The impact of Linnaeus.
20. Human evolution, it’s in the bones.
21. All the links, notes, glossary does this superb book justice.
Negatives:
1. The biggest negative of this book is that it’s a dry book. That is, it lacks panache; it lacks the ability to engage the reader. Let loose Mr. Switek. The final chapter Mr. Switek provides evidence that he is capable of lucid science writing with passion. I would have liked to have seen more of that immersed in the rest of the book.
2. Lacking in thought-provoking quotes. There are a few, Mark Twain has a great quote but they are few and far between.
3. So many scientific terms for new species that it will make your head spin at times.
In summary, this is a very solid book and another good contribution to evolution with the focus on fossils. It’s a bit dry at times but the author met all my expectations regarding the science involved. I recommend this book for all the science lovers out there and look forward to reading more books from Mr. Switek in the future.
Recommendations: “Why Evolution Is True” by Jerry A. Coyne, “Your Inner Fish…” by Neil Shubin, “The Making of the Fittest” by Sean B. Carroll, “What Evolution Is” by Ernst Mayr, “Life Ascending: The Ten Great Inventions of Evolution” by Nick Lane and “The Greatest Show on Earth” by the great Richard Dawkins.
“Written in Stone” is a “solid” scientific book from freelance science writer Brian Switek. This book focuses on the history of fossil evidence in support of evolution. The 320-page book is composed of the following ten chapters: The Living Rock, Moving Mountains, From Fins to Fingers, Footprints and Feathers on the Sands of Time, The Meek Inherit the Earth, As Monstrous as a Whale, Behemoth, On a Last Leg, Through the Looking Glass, and Time and Chance.
Positives:
1. Well researched, well written book that is accessible to the masses.
2. Very respectful and pleasant tone throughout.
3. Evolution through the eyes of paleontologists, geologists, archeologists…The book focuses on fossils, their discoveries and how they inspire scientific discussions that ultimately lead to a consensus or even more questions.
4. Fabulous use of drawings and illustrations. I also want to thank Mr. Switek for providing photos of many of the scientists involved in this book. I understand that there are legal issues involving the use of photos and such but it’s refreshing to see an author go out of his way to provide that to the readers. It makes reading that much more enjoyable.
5. The core of paleontology discussed.
6. Interesting tidbits throughout the book.
7. The always fascinating clash of science and religion.
8. Many brief historical accounts of scientists and their impact.
9. The explanation of evolutionary history based on mainly fossil evidence of some of our main species: fish, birds, whales, elephants, horses and of course humans.
10. Does a great job of dispelling Lamarck’s contention that life appeared to be progressive (well you know with a little help from Darwin…).
11. Transitional fossils and some very good examples.
12. Archaeopteryx in updated context.
13. The curveball that was the platypus.
14. The impact of mass extinctions. Various accounts and theories.
15. Hoaxes exposed. “Piltdown man” as an example.
16. Vestigial traits. As an example, living whales retain vestiges of their hips and hind limbs.
17. The curious tale of Thomas Jefferson regarding national pride in correlation to natural history. Loved that.
18. Examples of punctuated equilibrium.
19. The impact of Linnaeus.
20. Human evolution, it’s in the bones.
21. All the links, notes, glossary does this superb book justice.
Negatives:
1. The biggest negative of this book is that it’s a dry book. That is, it lacks panache; it lacks the ability to engage the reader. Let loose Mr. Switek. The final chapter Mr. Switek provides evidence that he is capable of lucid science writing with passion. I would have liked to have seen more of that immersed in the rest of the book.
2. Lacking in thought-provoking quotes. There are a few, Mark Twain has a great quote but they are few and far between.
3. So many scientific terms for new species that it will make your head spin at times.
In summary, this is a very solid book and another good contribution to evolution with the focus on fossils. It’s a bit dry at times but the author met all my expectations regarding the science involved. I recommend this book for all the science lovers out there and look forward to reading more books from Mr. Switek in the future.
Recommendations: “Why Evolution Is True” by Jerry A. Coyne, “Your Inner Fish…” by Neil Shubin, “The Making of the Fittest” by Sean B. Carroll, “What Evolution Is” by Ernst Mayr, “Life Ascending: The Ten Great Inventions of Evolution” by Nick Lane and “The Greatest Show on Earth” by the great Richard Dawkins.
February 1, 2014
Written in Stone is a pretty interesting guide to the fossil record and especially theories of evolution related to it, and also our own ancestry. I found it a little bit dry by the end, but I did read it in the space of two days, and even a little bit during halftime at the Wales v. Italy game today (to the astonishment of the gentleman next to me). So it can't really have been that dry.
It doesn't touch much on other aspects of paleontology, like genetic samples from fossils or even much about properly dating fossils, which felt like a bit of an oversight when it does manage to explain in endless detail the descent of modern horses. Obviously, any book has to draw a line somewhere, but this felt like a mass of fine details without much of the framework that would support them (for me; if your interest is primarily in fossils, then I'm sure it'd be of more relevance, I just want a more holistic view -- though there's plenty of that out there).
It doesn't touch much on other aspects of paleontology, like genetic samples from fossils or even much about properly dating fossils, which felt like a bit of an oversight when it does manage to explain in endless detail the descent of modern horses. Obviously, any book has to draw a line somewhere, but this felt like a mass of fine details without much of the framework that would support them (for me; if your interest is primarily in fossils, then I'm sure it'd be of more relevance, I just want a more holistic view -- though there's plenty of that out there).
May 1, 2011
The story of evolution primarily from the paleontological perspective (as the name implies), although he does cite some of the biochemical lines of research that support what the rocks and bones have to tell us. It is also from a post-Cambrian perspective as he does not begin with the first appearance of macrobiotic life, and instead skips ahead to the end of the Devonian when a few species of fish took the first tentative steps away from the water’s edge. It is also the story of the development of paleontology as both a profession and a science.
I thought it was a great first effort for young science writer with lots of potential. I would have rated it even higher if the writing were in some instances a little clearer and more directed toward supporting a central theme. Although I enjoyed the trip, there were times when I was not sure where we were going.
Some of it will be repetitive for those who have read other authors' take on horse, whale and human evolution. But for those who are just beginning to read about paleontology and paleoanthropology this is great place to start.
I have a hunch that Mr. Switek has a few more, and probably better, books still in him, given his youth and his obvious interest in his field. I will be watching for them. I was also pleasantly surprised that he was willing to take on his senior respected theistic science writers who still cling to the hope that somehow this all had to happen, that it couldn’t just be chance. Good for you, Mr. Switek.
I thought it was a great first effort for young science writer with lots of potential. I would have rated it even higher if the writing were in some instances a little clearer and more directed toward supporting a central theme. Although I enjoyed the trip, there were times when I was not sure where we were going.
Some of it will be repetitive for those who have read other authors' take on horse, whale and human evolution. But for those who are just beginning to read about paleontology and paleoanthropology this is great place to start.
I have a hunch that Mr. Switek has a few more, and probably better, books still in him, given his youth and his obvious interest in his field. I will be watching for them. I was also pleasantly surprised that he was willing to take on his senior respected theistic science writers who still cling to the hope that somehow this all had to happen, that it couldn’t just be chance. Good for you, Mr. Switek.
July 28, 2025
Interesting when I could get into it, but required a particular mood to read. Took me several years to finish, and the book was not entirely blameless for this.
July 10, 2016
Reading the Book of Earth:
This excellent book covers a lot of ground, in more ways than one. Part science and part history, "Written in Stone" by science writer Brian Switek offers an overview of how men of science came to understand the Earth and its myriad life forms. If you are an experienced reader of the Earth Sciences some of this material may already be familiar to you but Switek presents it in a fresh, informative manner. Starting in the 15th Century, and probably before, men of science noticed how the landscape was arranged in layers and some of those layers contained rock formations that looked a lot like the remains of living things. If these were indeed traces of long dead plants and animals, how did they come to be entombed in solid rock and why were the shells of sea creatures often found so far inland or in high mountain locations? Early studies of Geology and Evolution were often hampered by Religious Doctrine that teaches a strict interpretation of Scripture that often ran contrary what science had to say on the subjects. Throughout the book Switek introduces you to some of the scientist who shaped our understanding of the world around us. Men like Charles Lyell, Thomas Huxley, Alfred Wallace and, of course, Darwin himself. What they discovered and what they proposed was controversial to say the least and has remained so, to this very day. For me the most interesting parts of the book dealt with the history of life as we understand it today. The transition of fish to tetrapod, how birds may have learned to fly, why whales and elephants got so big. Then there's Man's story, tracing our journey from the trees to the ground and why "Homo sapiens" is probably the last of a varied group. This book may not be for everyone but if you're at all interested in prehistoric life and the geological history of our world then "Written in Stone" may be just what you've been looking for. This is Switek's first book and it's a good one, a little technical in parts but clearly written for the layman reader. Both the print and e-reader editions are illustrated with archival photos, numerous charts, graphs and animal reconstructions. I had no technical or downloading problems with this Kindle edition.
Last Ranger
December 3, 2015
Brian Switek writes with unrivaled lucidity about the ramifying branches of evolution over the ages, chronicling the history and origin of types as diverse as whales, horses, birds, dinosaurs, and humankind itself. Along the way, we learn the history not just of these biological categories, but the history of humanity's understanding of these categories. Switek catalogs the human drama of science and discovery alongside the far richer drama of evolutionary development, weaving the strands together into a seamless description of our foray into the past and trundling journey into the present, from humble beginnings. A strict 'must-read' for anybody all interest in biology, nature, human kind, and scientific history. It is one of the best books on this topic I've ever encountered, and everything is explained in a style that is at once both clear and precise as well as easy to understand and enjoyable to consume. A vivid, moving, and well-studied examination of an endlessly fascinating topic. Highly, highly recommended.
August 11, 2013
It's really great to read an up to date paleontology book. My only criticism is that the book itself reads like a textbook and can get a bit dry at times. Still it's a good book, packed with a ton of great information about the history of paleontology, including research into the evolution of dinosaurs, horses, whales and of course us! I just wish it was written differently.
March 27, 2011
A fun look into the fossil record. Switek offers an engaging look into evolution with his first book. The final two chapters on human fossils - and what they say about humans today - are particularly well crafted.
September 8, 2019
Fascinating survey of life on Earth as revealed by the fossil record, evolution, and extinction. Underscores how precious and tenuous the existence of any species has been over the course of hundreds of millions of years.
August 15, 2021
3.75 stars
November 22, 2018
A superbly readable account of the fossil record that pieces together the links that lead from the most unlikely original creatures to produce profusions of branching descendants, some of whom are living today, and once you consider how unlikely it is that any of us or our fellow creatures are here right now the sense of wonder is immense.
This sounds quite dry but the author’s wit and knowledge of the men and women who worked so tirelessly and assiduously to piece bits of fragmented stone together and work out what on earth evolved from what, let alone what didn’t (and how they tell the difference I still have no idea but am very grateful that they bothered). We might have got to our current level of knowledge sooner but for the hubris of mankind desiring to see a purpose in evolution to reach the supposed pinnacle that is Homo sapiens.
“But our human conceit blinds us to the true pattern of the fossil record...” we only have 4 limbs because of an ancient error in which some fish got four fins rather than the usual two. The tails of whales go up and down because their land ancestors’ spines worked that way.
This is a fascinating book and, finishing it, I wish to sit right down and read it again.
This sounds quite dry but the author’s wit and knowledge of the men and women who worked so tirelessly and assiduously to piece bits of fragmented stone together and work out what on earth evolved from what, let alone what didn’t (and how they tell the difference I still have no idea but am very grateful that they bothered). We might have got to our current level of knowledge sooner but for the hubris of mankind desiring to see a purpose in evolution to reach the supposed pinnacle that is Homo sapiens.
“But our human conceit blinds us to the true pattern of the fossil record...” we only have 4 limbs because of an ancient error in which some fish got four fins rather than the usual two. The tails of whales go up and down because their land ancestors’ spines worked that way.
This is a fascinating book and, finishing it, I wish to sit right down and read it again.
January 19, 2012
Relatively quick and easy to understand read describing Darwin's theory of evolution based on external driving forces such as natural selection and genetic drift. The book deals primarily with natural selection, but it is important to realize that is not the only factor Darwin put forward in his theory.
A point to make since many of the other reviews are not clear on this. Evolution means change, no more, no less. Darwin's Theory of Evolution is specifically related to what forces were at work in evolving species. At the time of Darwin, many scientist realized there was some evolution occurring, but they thought it was more ordered and followed a linear trend from least advanced to most advanced species.
What Darwin hypothesized was that natural selection and other forces that effect evolution. The driving forces were external, based on environmental changes, time, and random chance. The important point was that forces were not internal to a species. Because a species swam a lot, didn't make that species better swimmers. Instead: because a species were good swimmers that species had a competitive advantage over the species that were not as good of swimmers make them more likely to survive (less likely to get eaten by predators, etc).
Based on the information in this book, much of what Darwin did was present the framework for the theory of evolution by the process of natural selection. The fossil evidence of the time was lacking, and they didn't have the advanced gene techniques that we understand now, and he did an excellent job of laying down a general purpose answer and over time other scientists found evidence that supported Darwin's theory, and even came to use that theory (successfully) as a prediction method.
The book can be a bit difficult to keep track of all the species names mentioned, but overall you can glaze over the individual names if you have trouble following those, and the book is still relatively easy to read (but still a lot more difficult than most novels). I recommend the book for anyone who wants a better understanding of the Theory of Evolution by the Process of Natural Selection (and other driving forces).
A point to make since many of the other reviews are not clear on this. Evolution means change, no more, no less. Darwin's Theory of Evolution is specifically related to what forces were at work in evolving species. At the time of Darwin, many scientist realized there was some evolution occurring, but they thought it was more ordered and followed a linear trend from least advanced to most advanced species.
What Darwin hypothesized was that natural selection and other forces that effect evolution. The driving forces were external, based on environmental changes, time, and random chance. The important point was that forces were not internal to a species. Because a species swam a lot, didn't make that species better swimmers. Instead: because a species were good swimmers that species had a competitive advantage over the species that were not as good of swimmers make them more likely to survive (less likely to get eaten by predators, etc).
Based on the information in this book, much of what Darwin did was present the framework for the theory of evolution by the process of natural selection. The fossil evidence of the time was lacking, and they didn't have the advanced gene techniques that we understand now, and he did an excellent job of laying down a general purpose answer and over time other scientists found evidence that supported Darwin's theory, and even came to use that theory (successfully) as a prediction method.
The book can be a bit difficult to keep track of all the species names mentioned, but overall you can glaze over the individual names if you have trouble following those, and the book is still relatively easy to read (but still a lot more difficult than most novels). I recommend the book for anyone who wants a better understanding of the Theory of Evolution by the Process of Natural Selection (and other driving forces).
February 4, 2015
Totally absorbing read and a great book for the dinosaur-fossil aficionado, which I am. Written in a somewhat technical style, yet certainly not above the head of anyone with a science degree, background, or interest. (You have to have some science background, or you're going to be wading into deep water fast.) A good way to keep up with a lot of the new research in the field, while at the same time reviewing - or relearning - how we got here from there.
Chapters are complete, and can be read out of order. They're actually long essays on different topics: evolution of cetaceans, the horse, an update and overview on human evolution, etc. I wish there'd been more diagrams, but that's the sort of book this is, factual and multi-viewpoint, though Switek will eventually tell you where he stands on certain issues.
I love the fact, though, that evolution is portrayed as a multi-facted web or network, and not a single staircase-type process as so many of us were taught (when I went to school.) Species change over time, and many arrive at a 'dead end' - bad word - or in other words, become extinct. But as Switek candidly points out, and portrays, all species come to an end, even those who are the most successful for their time and place.
One way to read this book: with an ipad or laptop at your side. I often did this so I could see for myself the many species mentioned in the book. It colored up my reading, so to speak, which took place mainly during the Blizzard named 'Linus,' in February, 2015.
(Yeah, we had about fourteen inches of snow on top of a previous 18 or so inches.)
I used to follow Switek when he wrote his column, 'Laelaps' on wired.com. I know he's elsewhere on the net now, but that was my first experience with his writing and expertise. Great writer. I hope he keeps them coming.
Chapters are complete, and can be read out of order. They're actually long essays on different topics: evolution of cetaceans, the horse, an update and overview on human evolution, etc. I wish there'd been more diagrams, but that's the sort of book this is, factual and multi-viewpoint, though Switek will eventually tell you where he stands on certain issues.
I love the fact, though, that evolution is portrayed as a multi-facted web or network, and not a single staircase-type process as so many of us were taught (when I went to school.) Species change over time, and many arrive at a 'dead end' - bad word - or in other words, become extinct. But as Switek candidly points out, and portrays, all species come to an end, even those who are the most successful for their time and place.
One way to read this book: with an ipad or laptop at your side. I often did this so I could see for myself the many species mentioned in the book. It colored up my reading, so to speak, which took place mainly during the Blizzard named 'Linus,' in February, 2015.
(Yeah, we had about fourteen inches of snow on top of a previous 18 or so inches.)
I used to follow Switek when he wrote his column, 'Laelaps' on wired.com. I know he's elsewhere on the net now, but that was my first experience with his writing and expertise. Great writer. I hope he keeps them coming.
May 29, 2011
I remember the moment when I realized, at age 18, that I'd led a very fortunate life. Confronted with the need to do my own laundry, I reassessed my teenage melodramatic view of my life thusfar from a Biblical ordeal of suffering and torment to the pampered comfort it actually was. I had a similar reassessment of the past when I read this book: dammit, not every science history book is as interesting as "Life Ascending" or "Mutants"--I was spoiled and didn't realize it.
Those books bring science alive. "Written in Stone" does a good job of laying out the facts and the misapprehensions of the past, but never quite makes it sparkle. By the time we hit the 20th century I was skipping and skimming. I'm sure there are passionate lovers of paleontology who will love this but, alas, I am not one.
Those books bring science alive. "Written in Stone" does a good job of laying out the facts and the misapprehensions of the past, but never quite makes it sparkle. By the time we hit the 20th century I was skipping and skimming. I'm sure there are passionate lovers of paleontology who will love this but, alas, I am not one.
June 12, 2013
As with any brief survey of a complicated topic with a long, convoluted history, written for non-specialists, this book raises some questions, mostly due to the reader's own level of understanding going in. That said, Written In Stone does an excellent job of presenting the latest information about evolution, a rapidly (erm) evolving science that has added a considerable amount of data since I was in school. If you completed your education more than two or three years ago, there will be interesting new information in this book. If you are looking for a basic knowledge or refresher about this science, or if you just want to become familiar with the latest aspects of the theory, this is a good place to start. If it leaves you with questions, as it surely will, you can use this as a springboard into more detailed info on specific elements.
March 26, 2021
I listened to the audiobook, although I found the narrator a bit grating. This is historical paleontology with vignettes about the persons doing the excavating (sometimes not), hucksters who made money exhibiting specimens; paleontology theories; counter-theories; discussions about evolution and “alternative” theories. It took me a couple of weeks to get through this one, because it was soporific.
April 29, 2021
As someone for who, this field has always held a fascination, this book should have been a perfect fit. I don’t understand why I felt like it dragged so much. The discoveries were presented chronologically with some personal stories of how and why they were mad and how science tests decided what the discorpveries meant. I just felt the main thread of information too often got bogged down in details losing the main thread.
January 25, 2025
Written in Stone by Brian Switek.
A tale of evolution told through fossils and history. Fingers, limbs, whales, horses, religion, and science.
I did enjoy the historical picture of evolution and how ideas of species changing over time evolved with society and culture. The author described changes through which whale ancestors took to the seas. It was very dense and rather dry with little personality shining through the text.
A tale of evolution told through fossils and history. Fingers, limbs, whales, horses, religion, and science.
I did enjoy the historical picture of evolution and how ideas of species changing over time evolved with society and culture. The author described changes through which whale ancestors took to the seas. It was very dense and rather dry with little personality shining through the text.
May 5, 2020
Excellent and very readable history of important fossil finds and their implications for understanding our evolutionary past. Recommended for laymen who don't know much about paleontology but would like to get up to speed on important discoveries as well as get a good foundation of knowledge about the subject.
January 2, 2019
1 star means “I didn’t like it”. That doesn’t mean it was terrible, just means the few chapters I read were ok, then the last one was boring. I just came off of a bad book; wasn’t willing to invest more time into a so so read. But honestly, the chapter that talks about lungfish was boring. Kinda like he was writing a fixed length essay without enough content.
January 11, 2021
A good summary of several of the most critical fossil finds and the evolution of these species: horse, elephant, human, etc. Nothing totally new, but a good introduction to readers who are new to the fields of paleontology and evolutionary biology, as well as closer explorations of the histories of these particular species, and the scientists involved. I listened to it on audiobook.
September 29, 2012
Nice quick overview.
July 26, 2019
Had to stop at the 50% mark. Started off really great–fresh writing and original concept. But the halt starts at about the 30% mark and never quite picks up again.
August 2, 2020
Awesome
April 7, 2021
What I hoped for from this book: an interesting take on history and fossils
What I got from this book: a drab, dry biography of people, without enough focus on the actual subject
What I got from this book: a drab, dry biography of people, without enough focus on the actual subject
January 22, 2022
A good book that does a compelling job in laying out the history and development of our understanding of the fossil record. Switek does a forceful job of swapping between the tale of how life has evolved, and the history of how our understanding of this tale developed. Rather than a sweeping view of fossil records, Switek covers the evolution of a specific group and how we came to understand it in each chapter- encompassing whales, mammoths, mammals, dinosaurs, and of course, humanity itself, among others. To some extent, the chapters are nearly stand-alone essays, each demonstrating the web of evolution. Intertwined with this is the history of the characters and scientists involved, and the difficulties they faced of overcoming ideology and religion. At times, it is easy to get a bit lost in the endless list of scientific names; the endless -saurs -opods, -ceans and so on can be head spinning if- like me- you have no knowledge of palaeontology. As such, I feel a short explainer chapter/appendix to help make sense of the endless scientific names would have added substantially to the book. He does do this for specific examples (e.g., explaining Hominidae v homininae v hominins), but an overview of classifications (the mnemonic “kings play chess on fine grain sand” is great for taxonomic order!) and an explainer for some of the more common latin terms would definitely have been helpful. Although at points it can be slightly dry, with a more technical style than many popular science books, this nearly adds to the powerful arguments when you see the bare facts laid out. A helpful number of graphs and drawings aid in bringing things to life as well. The last chapter was my favourite, where Switek departs from the more academic style and really brings together everything he’s discussed. The process of evolution by natural selection makes it clear that we are nothing special in our development; yet our existence on this world is no less special because of it. In my opinion- and Switek’s, our existence due to the intricacies of millions of years of evolution is no less awe-inspiring, incredible, and worthy of wonder than being created by some deity. If anything, it’s even more worthy of fascination.
A couple of favourite points and quotes:
• Mammalian ear bones (and in turn our own) developed from our jaws. Early synapsids (mammalian ancestors) had multiple jaw bones and, over time, they ended up moving and adapting to form ears
• The woolly mammoth and Indian Elephant are closer related to each other than either are to the African elephant
• I particularly enjoyed the point- emphasised many times- of how “ancestors” often lived alongside their “descendants” for thousands of years, rather than the linear view of An intertwined tale, which Switek compellingly weaves.
• “We’re merely a shivering twig that is the last vestige of a richer family tree”
A couple of favourite points and quotes:
• Mammalian ear bones (and in turn our own) developed from our jaws. Early synapsids (mammalian ancestors) had multiple jaw bones and, over time, they ended up moving and adapting to form ears
• The woolly mammoth and Indian Elephant are closer related to each other than either are to the African elephant
• I particularly enjoyed the point- emphasised many times- of how “ancestors” often lived alongside their “descendants” for thousands of years, rather than the linear view of An intertwined tale, which Switek compellingly weaves.
• “We’re merely a shivering twig that is the last vestige of a richer family tree”
July 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I loved how the author pulled from so many different sources. Amateur & professional scientists, philosophers, and theologians were all quoted, showing not just what evidence was being gathered but how humans were struggling to make sense of that evidence amid rival philosophies, assumptions, and worldviews. It gave me a deep respect for how many seemingly fundamental things we are probably still wrong about even today.
While the big-picture ideological debates were my favorite parts, the chapters highlighting specific animals (birds, whales, horses, etc.) were interesting too. It was especially cool seeing how quickly our thinking has changed within recent years. Huge, eye-opening/question-provoking discoveries were being made and included as recently as a few months before this book was published! It makes me curious how much farther our thinking has come in these continuing years SINCE the book was published! And although I sometimes got lost in the details of changing names and taxonomy (the book could have used a few more family tree illustrations a little earlier in each chapter to reference as each new fossil was described), the plethora of specific examples were a wonderfully concrete way to explain how our thinking about evolutionary mechanisms has matured.
The book is respectfully written throughout, and for the most part the author saves her own additions to the philosophical debates until the final chapter, which I think made it easier to engage with each new piece of evidence as it was described. (That is, as close to "at face value" as we are able to get with our inherent biases.) I may not agree with a few of the author's ultimate conclusions, but the author's contributions are well thought through and worth thinking about. I recommend the book. In fact, I think it is even respectfully enough written to be palatable to some of my diehard young-earth-creationist friends, and I would hope that they would learn a few things and find it worthwhile even if they end up disagreeing with the author more strongly than I do.
When I was a teenager, my mother read "Your Inner Fish" out loud to me back to back with "The Language of God" for contrast and we had many long, deep discussions about the author's disparate worldviews and the evidence they were interpreting. I could see myself reading "Written in Stone" to a future kid (along with, perhaps, a book that covered more recent discoveries). There would be much to talk about.
While the big-picture ideological debates were my favorite parts, the chapters highlighting specific animals (birds, whales, horses, etc.) were interesting too. It was especially cool seeing how quickly our thinking has changed within recent years. Huge, eye-opening/question-provoking discoveries were being made and included as recently as a few months before this book was published! It makes me curious how much farther our thinking has come in these continuing years SINCE the book was published! And although I sometimes got lost in the details of changing names and taxonomy (the book could have used a few more family tree illustrations a little earlier in each chapter to reference as each new fossil was described), the plethora of specific examples were a wonderfully concrete way to explain how our thinking about evolutionary mechanisms has matured.
The book is respectfully written throughout, and for the most part the author saves her own additions to the philosophical debates until the final chapter, which I think made it easier to engage with each new piece of evidence as it was described. (That is, as close to "at face value" as we are able to get with our inherent biases.) I may not agree with a few of the author's ultimate conclusions, but the author's contributions are well thought through and worth thinking about. I recommend the book. In fact, I think it is even respectfully enough written to be palatable to some of my diehard young-earth-creationist friends, and I would hope that they would learn a few things and find it worthwhile even if they end up disagreeing with the author more strongly than I do.
When I was a teenager, my mother read "Your Inner Fish" out loud to me back to back with "The Language of God" for contrast and we had many long, deep discussions about the author's disparate worldviews and the evidence they were interpreting. I could see myself reading "Written in Stone" to a future kid (along with, perhaps, a book that covered more recent discoveries). There would be much to talk about.
September 16, 2021
Review in Indonesia
[FOSIL YANG MENGUBAH SEJARAH]
Banyak yang mungkin akan bertanya, apa pentingnya sebuah penemuan fosil bagi masa depan sains?. SANGAT PENTING, itulah yang sekiranya buku ini, "Written in Stone" ingin sampaikan kepada pembacanya.
. .
Buku yang akhirnya ditamatkan setelah 6 bulan lebih mendekam dalam lemari ini membahas mengenai berbagai temuan fosil yang berpengaruh besar terhadap dunia sains, terutama bidang biologi evolusioner. Tidak dapat dipungkiri bahwa berbongkah-bongkah tulang yang membatu ini menjadi bukti dari teori seleksi alam (evolusi). Tak hanya di dunia sains, fosil bahkan menjadi asal muasal beberapa mitos di masyarakat.
. .
Terbagi menjadi beberapa bagian, tiap bab nya membahas mengenai penemuan-penemjan fosil dari jenis makhluk hidup tertentu yang berperan penting dalam membangun fondasi teori evolusi. Bahasan dimulai dari sejarah awal penemuannya, drama-drama penemuan fosil, dan diakhiri evolusi dari makhluk hidup tersebut. Diawali dengan bahasan mengenai teori evolusi itu sendiri, dan diakhiri dengan penemuan fosil manusia purba.
. .
Isi buku ini dapat dikatakan cukup padat, bahkan hampir tidak ada ruang untuk melampirkan pikiran pribadi penulis terhadap subjek kajian di buku ini. Meski lebih objektif, akan tetapi hal tersebut malah menjadikan buku ini kurang menarik simpati pembaca terhadap fosil itu sendiri, kecuali bagi yang memang tertarik pada awalnya. Bahasa yang digunakan masih mudah dimengerti walaupun banyak istilah teknis. Selain itu, Ilustrasi yang disuguhkan juga cukup jelas dan membantu memahami materi buku ini.
. .
Secara keseluruhan, buku ini cukup direkomendasikan bagi pecinta dinosaurus, geologi, biologi, dan evolusi, tapi tidak untuk orang-orang yang benar benar awam terhadap subjek ini. Rating Personal: 7/10
[FOSIL YANG MENGUBAH SEJARAH]
Banyak yang mungkin akan bertanya, apa pentingnya sebuah penemuan fosil bagi masa depan sains?. SANGAT PENTING, itulah yang sekiranya buku ini, "Written in Stone" ingin sampaikan kepada pembacanya.
. .
Buku yang akhirnya ditamatkan setelah 6 bulan lebih mendekam dalam lemari ini membahas mengenai berbagai temuan fosil yang berpengaruh besar terhadap dunia sains, terutama bidang biologi evolusioner. Tidak dapat dipungkiri bahwa berbongkah-bongkah tulang yang membatu ini menjadi bukti dari teori seleksi alam (evolusi). Tak hanya di dunia sains, fosil bahkan menjadi asal muasal beberapa mitos di masyarakat.
. .
Terbagi menjadi beberapa bagian, tiap bab nya membahas mengenai penemuan-penemjan fosil dari jenis makhluk hidup tertentu yang berperan penting dalam membangun fondasi teori evolusi. Bahasan dimulai dari sejarah awal penemuannya, drama-drama penemuan fosil, dan diakhiri evolusi dari makhluk hidup tersebut. Diawali dengan bahasan mengenai teori evolusi itu sendiri, dan diakhiri dengan penemuan fosil manusia purba.
. .
Isi buku ini dapat dikatakan cukup padat, bahkan hampir tidak ada ruang untuk melampirkan pikiran pribadi penulis terhadap subjek kajian di buku ini. Meski lebih objektif, akan tetapi hal tersebut malah menjadikan buku ini kurang menarik simpati pembaca terhadap fosil itu sendiri, kecuali bagi yang memang tertarik pada awalnya. Bahasa yang digunakan masih mudah dimengerti walaupun banyak istilah teknis. Selain itu, Ilustrasi yang disuguhkan juga cukup jelas dan membantu memahami materi buku ini.
. .
Secara keseluruhan, buku ini cukup direkomendasikan bagi pecinta dinosaurus, geologi, biologi, dan evolusi, tapi tidak untuk orang-orang yang benar benar awam terhadap subjek ini. Rating Personal: 7/10
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