Life in Stone: A Natural History of British Columbia's Fossils

John Storer is a paleontologist with the Heritage Branch of the Yukon
Department of Tourism.

Spanning more than a billion years, British Columbia’s fossil record
includes such wonders as the Burgess Shale fauna. This book surveys
“the nature, significance, and meaning of the fossil groups that are
particularly well represented” in Canada’s westernmost province.

The appropriate and helpful introductory chapters include a general
account of B.C. fossils and a history of exploration and geological
time, a review of fossils and museums, and an account of B.C. (and
Yukon) geology and tectonic history. The 20 chapters that follow cover
an impressive variety of fossil groups spanning nearly the entire
spectrum of life. Although the authors sometimes bring different
interpretations to the evidence (a normal occurrence in science), each
has been conscientious in helping readers grasp difficult background
concepts.

For the beginner, this fascinating book will challenge and reward in
equal measure. For the professional, it will provide a valuable
introduction to the literature and to British Columbia’s ancient
history.