John Long (2) (1957–)

I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into with this book, but the title is accurate branding, in that the last twenty or so years of applying the fruits of high-energy physics, and a lot of fossil hunting, have given us an almost exponentially better understanding of how sharks have developed over geological epochs. This is up until the current day, when they are under great pressure for survival, largely no thanks to human destructiveness.

Here's the thing though, Long draws lessons from show more how the wider family of sharks has managed to survive five great extinction events, and how there is wisdom in this that humanity can take if we want to survive our own self-induced extinction event. It is to be admitted that some readers might find this a bit preachy but, as they say, the truth hurts.

As for the structure of the book, that is basically by geological epoch, as Long looks at the sharks, or shark precursors of each period, what geological and environmental condition prevailed, and how we know these things to be an accurate analysis. As for myself, the most interesting chapters dealt with the relationship of sharks to armored fishes (the so-called "placoderms"), or with how the Age of Megalodon came about, and how that ended.

Highly recommended. show less

Australian paleontologist John Long recounts two fossil-collecting trips to Antarctica, the second of which, in 1991, involved spending several months inland with 3 other scientists. He colorfully describes the training required for acceptance to an Antarctic research program, life on the ice, especially for long periods out in the mountains, and the types of fossils to be found, many of which are also found across all the southern continents, providing further details of how the show more super-continent Gondwana broke apart into the distinct continents we have today. During the months on the ice, the scientists had regular radio contact with Scott Station (the New Zealand station very close to McMurdo), but they otherwise had only each other for companionship. Rest periods and weather-related confinements were occasions for writing up notes, reading in various scientific fields, playing games, and reading lighter materials, sometimes to each other. One story they shared was Lovecraft's "At the Mountains of Madness", and their enjoyment spurred me to reread that as well. I also like the author's affinity for Australia's Sir Douglas Mawson, whose own solo journey over 100s of miles of Antarctica after the death of his companions remains my favorite adventure story, as Mawson himself remains my favorite explorer. show less

This interesting travelogue sheds light on the sordid world of international fossil smuggling and would be very useful reading for anyone with a hobby of collecting fossils. It follows Australian palaeontologist John Long as he teams up with American "fossil cop" Sgt. Steve Rogers to investigate the theft and destruction of rare dinosaur footprints and Aboriginal sacred site in Broome, Western Australia. Traveling across the globe, Rogers instructs Long about the illegal world of fossil show more poachers, criminals who steal the world's cultural and scientific treasures to sell to the highest bidders, often ending up in American and European collectors shops and trade shows. The journey the book takes is interesting in itself, but the book also provides information on fossil smuggling in many countries in the world, and gives advice on how to know if you are purchasing an ethically "legal" fossil, one imported without taking from another country's geological heritage. Photos and illustrations of fossils and the people who discover them also fill the book. show less

What a gorgeous book! This book takes us through the history of dinosaurs and also gives detailed information about the main types. For each type given, we see a map of where it lived, size comparison, and painting of it in action. Well-written text, detailed captions, timelines, and vivid illustrations make the information come alive.