by David Penney
Siri Scientific Press (2016) 978-0-9929979-6-0 RRP £9.99
64 pp, 210 x 148 mm, soft cover, 43 colour photographs & illustrations
Reviews
Down to Earth Magazine, February 2018 (Number 102, page 32 – snippets): ...this book takes the subject of palaeontology apart to demonstrate what a study of fossils entails, how it can be studied and then what anyone studying it can do with their new found knowledge and collecting talent. … It is full of practical advice and it's not just aimed at youngsters, fossil enthusiasts of all ages will get much information from it. It takes people on a journey from the basic pastime of collecting and shows how you can get so much more from the hobby, maybe even turning it into a career. … There's a fascinating introduction which gives us an insight into the life and times of the author and how his passion for fossils began and was nurtured. In this, and the answers to the questions, we gain great insight into the subject and its application. … The author provides good practical advice which sometimes includes the potential pitfalls and difficulties that may be encountered. … I liked this book a lot, far more than I thought I would. David Penney comes across as a warm individual who is passionate about his subject, who wants others to share that passion.
Preface
Palaeontology is a rather unique career choice, in that at one point or another most kids (and some adults) want to be a palaeontologist, but very few of them are ever able to realize their dream. However, I expect there are more avenues into palaeontology related work today than there ever have been and the main purpose of this book is to highlight some of the potential routes into palaeontology as a career, or as a more productive pastime than just basic fossil collecting.
Dr David Penney FRES, FLS, FRSB, CSci
November 2015