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DK Smithsonian Handbooks
Handbooks: Fossils: The Clearest Recognition Guide Available
Packed with over 1,000 full-color photographs over more than 500 fossils, this handbook is designed to cut through the complex process of fossil identification to make it accessible to readers of all experience levels. Authoritative text, crystal-clear photography, and a systematic approach from Dorling Kindersley and the Smithsonian Institution make this guide both comprehensive and concise.
Expertly written and thoroughly vetted, each entry combines a precise description with annotated photography to highlight each fossil's chief characteristics and distinguishing features. Each fossil is accompanied by a full-color illustration of the living animal or plant that the fossil once was in the distant past, while color-coded bands provide at-a-glance key facts to complete each entry. Also included is a comprehensive glossary so you can speak the language of a true paleontologist.
Written by veteran paleontologist and curator Cyril Walker, and veterinary surgeon and fossil enthusiast David Ward, and packed with detailed information on recognition, classification, and more, DK’s Smithsonian Handbook of Fossils is the clearest identification guide to fossils for beginners and established enthusiasts alike.
Expertly written and thoroughly vetted, each entry combines a precise description with annotated photography to highlight each fossil's chief characteristics and distinguishing features. Each fossil is accompanied by a full-color illustration of the living animal or plant that the fossil once was in the distant past, while color-coded bands provide at-a-glance key facts to complete each entry. Also included is a comprehensive glossary so you can speak the language of a true paleontologist.
Written by veteran paleontologist and curator Cyril Walker, and veterinary surgeon and fossil enthusiast David Ward, and packed with detailed information on recognition, classification, and more, DK’s Smithsonian Handbook of Fossils is the clearest identification guide to fossils for beginners and established enthusiasts alike.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 1992
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April 23, 2012Walker, Cyril Alexander.(2000). DK handbook: Fossils. New York: DK Publishing.
Citation created by: Sherry Bouldin
Call Number: 549
Description: With this handbook the reader can identify fossils very easily. There are over 1,000 full-color photographs of over 5000 fossils. Precise descriptions and annotated photography combine to aid in identification. A glossary aids in understanding technical terms.
Content/scope: Scientists, both young and old will enjoy this reference.
Accuracy/Authority: Cyril Walker is a paleontologist who has worked at the Natural History Museum in London for 30 years.
Arrangement/Presentation: This handbook takes a systematic approach to fossil identification. Full color pictures show what the living fossil looked like.
Relation to Similar Works: Other DK handbooks similar to this one include Rocks & Minerals, Gemstones, and Shells.
Timeliness/Permanence: This book was published in 2000 and would need to be updated as newer editions became available.
Cost: $13.46
Rationale for Selection: This would be a wonderful resource to supplement science instruction and this is one area where our reference section is lacking. We had absolutely NO resources on fossils this past school year. Also, this would serve as a high-interest read for some of our male population.
Citation created by: Sherry Bouldin
Call Number: 549
Description: With this handbook the reader can identify fossils very easily. There are over 1,000 full-color photographs of over 5000 fossils. Precise descriptions and annotated photography combine to aid in identification. A glossary aids in understanding technical terms.
Content/scope: Scientists, both young and old will enjoy this reference.
Accuracy/Authority: Cyril Walker is a paleontologist who has worked at the Natural History Museum in London for 30 years.
Arrangement/Presentation: This handbook takes a systematic approach to fossil identification. Full color pictures show what the living fossil looked like.
Relation to Similar Works: Other DK handbooks similar to this one include Rocks & Minerals, Gemstones, and Shells.
Timeliness/Permanence: This book was published in 2000 and would need to be updated as newer editions became available.
Cost: $13.46
Rationale for Selection: This would be a wonderful resource to supplement science instruction and this is one area where our reference section is lacking. We had absolutely NO resources on fossils this past school year. Also, this would serve as a high-interest read for some of our male population.
October 1, 2010
This was not a page turner. It's more of a reference book for the taxonomy of the most common fossils out in the world than it is a reader. I found the information about each fossil type very scientific, however the information about finding fossils, cleaning fossils, and storing fossils is seriously lacking.
September 7, 2008
A good pocket guide to a lot of fossils and the creatures they belong to. The assortment of lifeforms found within the book is impressive, although it is missing some of the more obscure fauna from prehistory, which is a bit of a disappointment at times.
April 13, 2009
(From a mildly biased fossil geek's perspective), after reading straight through, cover to cover, I classed it a thriller, but would hate to ruin the plot for anyone else, grin.
July 2, 2010
Still using to research shells and fossils I find and might find.
September 26, 2012
Anything published by Dorling Kindersley is of high quality content and visually stunning!
November 8, 2009
Great photos. Very clearly written and illustrated.
April 27, 2023
This Smithsonian Handbook guide is a great introduction to identifying and appreciating fossils down to Family level if not Genus. The introductory chapters were interesting and the preliminary glossary of terms helpful, but because there is such profound species richness in our geological history, this is an introductory guide. For instance, this would help amateur collectors realize they've found a crinoid rather than an echinoid, but then they would need to consult a more specialized guide or a subject matter expert to get a better sense of what Genus or species they might have on hand. But this never markets itself as the ONLY guide you'll need, so I don't see this as necessarily a negative.
I conducted undergraduate work on identifying and organizing marine invertebrate fossils (primarily trilobites, brachiopods, crinoids, and echinoids) for my university's Museum of Biodiversity, and I would have LOVED to have this guide on hand! DK Publishing is renown and trusted widely for a reason. I especially appreciated having the geological range, modern fossil distribution, artist's depiction, fossil occurrence estimation, and habitat blurb included for each Genus entry.
I'm glad this guide exists and that I own it, but I only rate it 4 out of 5 stars overall because it could have been significantly improved. There were 3-4 times when the artistic depiction could have been more detailed or representative of the Genus being described. It was not clear why the Genera were arranged the way they are in the guide within each group's section: i.e. Why Kingera, then 2 Genera from different Orders, and then Cancellothyris, when Kingera and Cancellothyris brachiopods are both members of the same Terebratulida Order? This happens many times throughout the guide, so the organization choices are unclear.
I wish this guide did a better job of showing how the featured Genera were related to one another, and a sparse cladogram at the beginning of each group section could have easily accomplished this. Similarly, though I liked the Geologic Time Chart (pp. 14-15)'s wedge design, cladogram lines, and list of Geological Time Periods, the non-standardized placement of the group names and representative figures were confusing and thus made the chart difficult to read. Not a good resource to flip back and forth when assessing different Genera entries. I used my laminated bookmark of the "Geologic Time Scale 2020" product by the Geologic TimeScale Foundation, and I recommend this resource to all those interested in this topic.
A long and perhaps nit-picky review, but it's because I care about this topic and its presentation so much!! This is a great introductory guide for all those seeking to learn more about our world's fossils--even if you're not digging or collecting them! This broadened my worldview and deepened my understanding of Earth's historical biodiversity. This may just be THE most important book I read this year. I'll definitely be reading other publications in the DK Smithsonian Handbooks collection.
I conducted undergraduate work on identifying and organizing marine invertebrate fossils (primarily trilobites, brachiopods, crinoids, and echinoids) for my university's Museum of Biodiversity, and I would have LOVED to have this guide on hand! DK Publishing is renown and trusted widely for a reason. I especially appreciated having the geological range, modern fossil distribution, artist's depiction, fossil occurrence estimation, and habitat blurb included for each Genus entry.
I'm glad this guide exists and that I own it, but I only rate it 4 out of 5 stars overall because it could have been significantly improved. There were 3-4 times when the artistic depiction could have been more detailed or representative of the Genus being described. It was not clear why the Genera were arranged the way they are in the guide within each group's section: i.e. Why Kingera, then 2 Genera from different Orders, and then Cancellothyris, when Kingera and Cancellothyris brachiopods are both members of the same Terebratulida Order? This happens many times throughout the guide, so the organization choices are unclear.
I wish this guide did a better job of showing how the featured Genera were related to one another, and a sparse cladogram at the beginning of each group section could have easily accomplished this. Similarly, though I liked the Geologic Time Chart (pp. 14-15)'s wedge design, cladogram lines, and list of Geological Time Periods, the non-standardized placement of the group names and representative figures were confusing and thus made the chart difficult to read. Not a good resource to flip back and forth when assessing different Genera entries. I used my laminated bookmark of the "Geologic Time Scale 2020" product by the Geologic TimeScale Foundation, and I recommend this resource to all those interested in this topic.
A long and perhaps nit-picky review, but it's because I care about this topic and its presentation so much!! This is a great introductory guide for all those seeking to learn more about our world's fossils--even if you're not digging or collecting them! This broadened my worldview and deepened my understanding of Earth's historical biodiversity. This may just be THE most important book I read this year. I'll definitely be reading other publications in the DK Smithsonian Handbooks collection.
November 27, 2017
My kindergartener checked this out from his library (part of a string of non-fiction books he has brought home since school started in September; as he explained to me "I have a lot to learn. Once I've learned everything I need to know, THEN I'll read fiction." :-)). My interest in fossils is just about nil, but his keen interest helps to keep me interested as I read this aloud to him. It has a ton of labeled pictures with brief descriptions, so we just go through them one by one, reading 2 or 3 pages together at a time.
This book makes me realize how much my knowledge of geology and paleontology is lacking. I've learned a ton from reading this. Much of the language in this book is outside my son's grasp, but he is enjoying it anyway and has kept it out of the library for two weeks because he doesn't want to return it until we've painstakingly read the whole thing.
This book makes me realize how much my knowledge of geology and paleontology is lacking. I've learned a ton from reading this. Much of the language in this book is outside my son's grasp, but he is enjoying it anyway and has kept it out of the library for two weeks because he doesn't want to return it until we've painstakingly read the whole thing.
May 21, 2018
I have yet to find more than petrified wood when I rock hound in my local area, but, I feel that the more I learn, the more familiar I will be when I do spot one. I love learning about these things. Highly recommend.
November 5, 2025
Loved all the images! Really more relevant to the states and Europe, needed more examples from Africa & South Africa. Great refresher for Palaeontology students (recommended for fossil identification) great layout!
February 18, 2021
This is the best resource for fossils in one small book around. I was able to identify all my fossil finds with this.
April 28, 2021
I think it is very good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2023
Not that I really needed another book like this - but $5 at our used bookstore was impossible to walk away from. Nice guide with the expected DK Smithsonian style and quality.
November 8, 2023
perfect for brainiacs and something to read when your bored. This book is perfect because it has plenty ofinformation.
January 5, 2019
An awesome book for easy fossil reference.
Great photos and general descriptions of creatures help to identify your fossils. Impressive collection makes it a great book for enjoyable browsing and to train your eye.
P.S. I was suspecting that the trilobite I found last summer wasn't what I was thinking it would be. And after browsing this book it very much looks like it could be a horseshoe crab. Great book!
Great photos and general descriptions of creatures help to identify your fossils. Impressive collection makes it a great book for enjoyable browsing and to train your eye.
P.S. I was suspecting that the trilobite I found last summer wasn't what I was thinking it would be. And after browsing this book it very much looks like it could be a horseshoe crab. Great book!
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April 20, 2015reference book
January 19, 2016
While this book doesn't have a lot of information for the advanced collector, it is a great beginner guide. The photos are clear and the information is easy to understand.
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April 1, 2017Awards: N/A
Grade levels: k-6
Summary: Designed for beginners and experienced collectors alike, these field guides make identification of individual specimens sure, simple and straightforward. Each entry has a full color illustration as well as color-coded bands that provide at-a-glance facts for quick reference. Easy to use and beautiful to look at, this series is an invaluable resource for every collector.
Review: I like that this book is for beginners and experienced collectors because it can be used for multiple different grades and different activities within the class. Each page is full of color and descriptions to help young students with identification.
2-3 uses: (1) students can make their own fossil on paper and use the book as a layout of what else to add to their drawings, (2) teacher can bring in supplies to bring the students drawings to life and do a lesson on how to make fossils using the materials brought in.
Grade levels: k-6
Summary: Designed for beginners and experienced collectors alike, these field guides make identification of individual specimens sure, simple and straightforward. Each entry has a full color illustration as well as color-coded bands that provide at-a-glance facts for quick reference. Easy to use and beautiful to look at, this series is an invaluable resource for every collector.
Review: I like that this book is for beginners and experienced collectors because it can be used for multiple different grades and different activities within the class. Each page is full of color and descriptions to help young students with identification.
2-3 uses: (1) students can make their own fossil on paper and use the book as a layout of what else to add to their drawings, (2) teacher can bring in supplies to bring the students drawings to life and do a lesson on how to make fossils using the materials brought in.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews