BOOK BRIEF

Wonderful Life: The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History

Stephen Jay Gould
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Wonderful Life: The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1990

Book Brief

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Stephen Jay Gould

Wonderful Life: The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1990
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Burgess Shale • Middle Cambrian

Topic
Science & Nature

World History
Publication Year

1990

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Wonderful Life: The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History, Stephen Jay Gould explores the significance of the Burgess Shale fossils, highlighting how these remnants reveal the diversity of ancient life. He examines the role of contingency in evolution, demonstrating how the randomness of historical events shapes the development of life on Earth.

Informative

Contemplative

Mysterious

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.3

10,560 ratings

78%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Stephen Jay Gould's Wonderful Life: The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History captivates with its rich exploration of paleontology and evolution, highlighting the role of contingency. Positively, readers appreciate the engaging narrative and thought-provoking insights. However, some find it dense and difficult for beginners. Overall, it offers a profound look into evolutionary history.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Wonderful Life: The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History?

A reader who enjoys Wonderful Life: The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History by Stephen Jay Gould is likely interested in paleontology, evolutionary biology, and natural history. They may also appreciate works like Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari or Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond for similar themes in scientific exploration and historical insights.

4.3

10,560 ratings

78%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Burgess Shale • Middle Cambrian

Topic
Science & Nature

World History
Publication Year

1990

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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