The History of Life

Name: The History of Life
Price: 23.95 AUD
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ISBN: 9780198950080

A Very Short Introduction

Michael J. Benton (Professor of Palaeontology, University of Bristol)

$23.95

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
18 June 2026

Mathematics & Sciences; Popular science; Evolution; Palaeontology

Series: Very Short Introductions

Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring There are few stories more remarkable than the evolution of life on earth. Where did humans come from? Where did life come from? New fields of study, such as molecular biology and astrobiology, are shedding remarkable new light on the origin of life and the origin of sex. In this Very Short Introduction Michael J. Benton covers all the main fossil groups including dinosaurs, and the upheavals such as mass extinctions that have beset our planet and life on Earth. Benton highlights the key episodes in the evolution of life from its origin over some four billion years, to the 10 million or more species today. The book ends with a consideration of humans themselves, with our ability to modify the Earth in ways that no other species has ever done, and the consequences of that power. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

By: Michael J. Benton (Professor of Palaeontology University of Bristol)
Imprint: OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: 2nd Revised edition
Dimensions: Height: 174mm, Width: 111mm,
ISBN: 9780198950080
ISBN 10: 019895008X
Series: Very Short Introductions
Pages: 160
Publication Date: 18 June 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Michael J. Benton is a palaeontologist at the University of Bristol and has written 60 books. He was part of the team that discovered the colour of dinosaur feathers in 2010, was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2014, and awarded the OBE in 2021 for work in science engagement.