T. rex and the Crater of Doom by Walter Alvarez
Presents the story of the scientific detective work that went into solving the mystery. This is a saga of high adventure in remote parts of the world, of patient data collection, of lonely intellectual struggle, of long periods of frustration ended by sudden breakthroughs, of intense public debate, of friendships made or lost, and more.
Appealing and accessible, an excellent introduction to the subjectKirkus Review A fascinating proof of a once ridiculed theory. In fitting together the puzzle of dino demise, Alvarez excitingly shapes the story for the widest audience. Booklist [D]eft and readable ... T. rex and the Crater of Doom gets the facts across in a lighthearted, almost playful manner. But it's also solid science, a clear and efficient exposition that conveys plenty of cogent detail while keeping an eye on the subtle interplay of thought, action, and personality that makes scientific research such arresting human behavior... [An] estimable account from the world's leading authority on death from above. -- Timothy Ferris New York Times Book Review A geologist (who happens to be a kind of working philosopher) gives a deft, readable explanation of the extinction of the dinosaurs. New York Times Book Review A nicely told and well-written tale of scientific discovery. Library Journal The book is very well written and so engrossing that a reader with little or no background in the earth's geologic history will enjoy an easy and vastly entertaining summary of how we came to our present understanding of the past. It is a wonderful adventure in science. -- Dale Russell The Los Angeles Times Book Review Alvarez's book recounts this scientific detective story in an authoritative yet consistently engaging manner. Once considered absurd, the idea that extraterrestrial factors were involved in some of the great crises in the history of life has become widely accepted. -- Hans-Dieter Sues Toronto Globe and Mail A first-rate, swiftly paced tale of how science can propel its participants down avenues of surprising discovery to breathtaking conclusions. -- Charles Petit San Francisco Chronicle This personal account of the search for a geological Excalibur makes fascinating reading... [It] reads like Arthurian legend, full of temptations which lead the hero astray and distract him and his followers from the true path. -- Douglas Palmer New Scientist An unfolding story told by its leading protagonist... Very clearly and entertainingly written, and illustrated with fascinating colour plates, it is accessible even to nonspecialists. -- Arthur C. Clarke The Times Higher Education Supplement A first-rate, swiftly paced tale of how science can propel its participants down avenues of surprising discovery to breathtaking conclusions. -- Charles Petit San Francisco Examiner & Chronicle Every library with geology holdings will want to have this book... Alvarez offers a great detective story... Choice
Walter Alvarez is Professor of Geology and Geophysics at the University of California, Berkeley. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780691016306 |
| ISBN 10 | 0691016305 |
| Title | T. rex and the Crater of Doom |
| Author | Walter Alvarez |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Princeton University Press |
| Year published | 1997-04-16 |
| Number of pages | 236 |
| Prizes | Runner-up for New York Times Notable Book 1997 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |