Reading the Rocks: A Biography of Ancient Alberta

Kimberly J. Frail is a librarian in the Science and Technology Library
at the University of Alberta.

Public Services Librarian
University of Alberta Libraries
Bibliothèque Saint-Jean

In Reading the Rocks, Monique Keiran draws on her talents as a
natural-history writer to tell the geological story of Alberta from the
Big Bang to the modern era. The book’s design is impressive and echoes
the presentation typically found in museum displays and dioramas. The
volume contains 210 colour photographs, 45 maps, timelines, and line
drawings. Keiran’s style of writing is informative yet not
overburdened with scientific jargon or scholarly references. The
metaphor of paleontologist and geologist reading rocks like stories in a
book is carried throughout the volume consistently and effectively.

In seven chapters, Keiran leads the reader through the Precambrian and
Cenozoic eras, making specific references to Alberta geography and
geology to illustrate key characteristics of each period. For example,
in Chapter 5, “Reptiles Ascendant: The Early Mesozoic,” she explains
how the “pages in the archives of Alberta’s Mesozoic past” are
visible only in the Rocky Mountains and in the foothills, as is
evidenced by rock beds, erosion patterns, and fossils that can be seen
in specific areas on the Trans-Canada Highway near Banff, Kananaskis
Village, and Ribbon Creek.

Reading the Rocks manages to simultaneously educate readers about
Alberta’s natural history, showcase the physical collections held at
the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, and highlight the museum’s
research. Keiran includes a list of recommended readings for anyone
inspired to pursue a more in-depth exploration of the subject. An index
and biographies of the scientists who are quoted in the volume would be
welcome additions.