Description: The story of how the Burgess Shale came to be, of its creatures, attempts to classify them, and where they fit into the scheme of evolution is one of the greatest stories--and one of the hottest controversies--in science.
Brief description: Stephen Jay Gould (1941-2002) was the Alexander Agassiz Professor of Zoology and Professor of Geology at Harvard University. He published over twenty books, received the National Book and National Book Critics Circle Awards, and a MacArthur Fellowship.
Review Quotes: There is no question about the historical importance of the Burgess Shale, and Gould is right when he says that it deserves a place in the public consciousness along with big bangs and black holes. . . . A compelling story, told with characteristic verve.--Richard A. Fortey "Nature"