Richard Fortey studied Geology at Cambridge University and had a long career as a palaeontologist at the Natural History Museum in London. Since 1997, he has been a member of the Royal Society. He has published numerous books- The Hidden Landscape won the Natural World Book of the Year (1993), Life was short-listed for the Rh ne-Poulenc Prize (1998) and Trilobite! was short-listed for the Samuel Johnson Prize (2001). Fortey was elected President of the Geological Society of London for its bicentennial year (2007).
A superbly exciting work of popular scientific writing -- AN Wilson * The Financial Times * A very well written book about geology and geological history * Sir David Attenborough, The Times * We have a new classic... this is popular science at its best; it's beautifully written, constantly witty and excellently illustrated. * Financial Times * Imbued with its author's deep sensitivity to shifting atmospheres, his overwhelming passion for England, Wales and Scotland as living bodies pulsing, breathing, twitching beneath our feet, and his contagiously personal view of his subject. -- Jonathan Keates * Observer *