Introducing Palaeontology offers a very broad and accessible introduction to the science of palaeontology by covering all the basics of the discipline and introducing all the major fossil groups. The book is divided into two main sections; (1) the science of palaeontology, and (2) a guide to various fossil groups. Part 1 opens with a simple definition of fossils and makes clear from the outset that the book is aimed at those with no, or very little, prior knowledge of the subject area. The first section comes to a close with a very informative ‘all you need to know’ about the history of palaeontology in four pages. The following chapters go on to describe and define the process of fossilisation and give advice on how to collect, curate and study fossils. The section on ‘Code and conduct for fossil collectors’ may come across as a little patronising, but gives essential information and guidelines for the novice palaeontologist. The following sections offer excellent summaries on how fossils are named and classified as well as a very informative chapter on the countless uses of fossils. The author does an excellent job of introducing many terms that will be unfamiliar to the newcomer, such as Lagerstätten, biostratigraphy and palaeoecology, and all key terms are highlighted in bold and clearly defined in the glossary at the end of the book. Curiously, there is no mention of any of the Chinese feathered dinosaur faunas (e.g. Jehol biota) in the Lagerstätten section, which would seemingly capture the imagination of the reader more effectively than the many Early Palaeozoic examples used.

The second section of the book deals with introducing the major fossil groups, from the more familiar trilobites, ammonites and vertebrates to less glamorous groups such as foraminiferans, algae and sponges. The author wisely avoids the lengthy descriptions found in more advanced textbooks and keeps the information brief but packed with important information on morphology, stratigraphic ranges, life habits and evolutionary history. The morphological descriptions, however, do use a considerable amount of scientific language (all sufficiently defined in the glossary), and are supplemented by informative, clear and attractive annotated diagrams. Added to this, the many photographs of actual fossil specimens bring vital perspective to the reader.

Introducing Palaeontology is an excellent book, full of attractive diagrams and photographs, coupled with short, waffle-free sections. The combination of short, snappy chapters and interesting scientific concepts create a book that is perfect for anyone new to the science of palaeontology, whether they be an enthusiastic amateur, a prospective student or an undergraduate just starting out in the field.