Stephen Jay Gould. First edition, later printing. New York: W.W. Norton and Company, 1989. Both unvlipoed dust jacket and hardcover are in Very Good+ condition. No writing or markings found in the book, 347 pp. Fully illustrated, in black and white. Jacket design by Mike McIver.
In this brilliant and thought-provoking work, evolutionary biologist and essayist Stephen Jay Gould takes us deep into the Cambrian Explosion, guided by one of the most remarkable fossil discoveries of the 20th century: the Burgess Shale. With clarity, wit, and philosophical depth, Gould challenges the traditional view of evolution as progress, arguing instead for contingency, unpredictability, and the fragile nature of survival.
From trilobites to hallucinogenic sea creatures, Gould brings prehistoric life vividly to the page—and in doing so, reframes our understanding of life’s history on Earth.
A landmark in popular science and one of Gould’s most influential books. Essential reading for fans of Carl Sagan, Richard Dawkins, E.O. Wilson, and anyone interested in the story of how we came to be.
