Explorers of Deep Time - by Roy Plotnick (Hardcover)

About the Book

Roy Plotnick provides a behind-the-scenes look at paleontology as it exists today in all its complexity. He explores the field's aims, methods, and possibilities, with an emphasis on the compelling personal stories of the scientists who have made it a career.

Book Synopsis

Paleontology is one of the most visible yet most misunderstood fields of science. Children dream of becoming paleontologists when they grow up. Museum visitors flock to exhibits on dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. The media reports on fossil discoveries and new clues to mass extinctions. Nonetheless, misconceptions abound: paleontologists are assumed only to be interested in dinosaurs, and they are all too often imagined as bearded white men in battered cowboy hats.

Roy Plotnick provides a behind-the-scenes look at paleontology as it exists today in all its complexity. He explores the field's aims, methods, and possibilities, with an emphasis on the compelling personal stories of the scientists who have made it a career. Paleontologists study the entire history of life on Earth; they do not only use hammers and chisels to unearth fossils but are just as likely to work with cutting-edge computing technology. Plotnick presents the big questions about life's history that drive paleontological research and shows why knowledge of Earth's past is essential to understanding present-day environmental crises. He introduces readers to the diverse group of people of all genders, races, and international backgrounds who make up the twenty-first-century paleontology community, foregrounding their perspectives and firsthand narratives. He also frankly discusses the many challenges that face the profession, with key takeaways for aspiring scientists. Candid and comprehensive, Explorers of Deep Time is essential reading for anyone curious about the everyday work of real-life paleontologists.

Review Quotes

Explorers of Deep Time is a highly informative book for people in and outside of palaeontology. Plotnick's humour and anecdotes ensure it is not a dry read. If you are curious about what palaeontologists do or you are thinking of pursuing it as a career, this book is vital reading.

-- "Leon Vlieger, The Inquisitive Biologist"

Does wonders to humanize the people in palaeontology. An incredibly important read to those in palaeontology and especially those who are in the early stages of their career.-- "Paleontological Association"

Relevant for someone interested in becoming a paleontologist today.-- "Isis"

Explorers of Deep Time is more than an examination of people who study fossils--it is a biography of the field of paleontology itself. As described by Plotnick, paleontology is cutting-edge, relevant, and full of people who bear absolutely no resemblance to Ross Gellar. A key resource for aspiring paleontologists and a call to action for those already part of the field, who are reminded of the challenges our discipline faces.--Ellen Currano, coeditor of The Bearded Lady Project: Challenging the Face of Science

'Explorers of Deep Time' is a fascinating look at paleontology as a whole, and is a must-have for anyone looking to better understand the field and the people within it. Every aspiring paleontologist should have a copy, as it gives an honest look at the joys, challenges, and opportunities that the science provides. 'Explorers of Deep Time' gives paleontology the close-up it deserves.

-- "AIPT"

'Explorers of Deep Time' is an enjoyable and practical introduction to the work of paleontology.

-- "Foreword Reviews"

Blends [Plotnick's] personal experiences with a cogent examination of the field of paleontology and the individuals who shaped it.

-- "The Clergy Letter Project"

This is an excellent guide to the pros and cons of choosing palaeontology as a career Highly recommended.

-- "Everything Dinosaur"

An unexpurgated and entertaining romp through the world of fossils and the stories of the people who study them. Plotnick gives us an up close and personal view of the joy of paleontology and its transformation into a vibrant modern science that is ever more relevant to understanding our world and its future.--Sir Peter Crane, fellow of the Royal Society, and senior research scientist, Yale University

For the general reader, Plotnick's book is a welcome look at a branch of science that has great appeal, but is too often misrepresented in popular culture. I recommend this book emphatically, not just for fossil lovers and dinosaur fans, but for anyone considering a career in science and wondering about the life it brings.-- "Natural History Magazine"

Informed and informative, exceptionally well written, thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, ['Explorers of Deep Time'] is especially recommended reading for... readers wanting to know the illustrated facts about the everyday work of real-life paleontologists.-- "Midwest Book Review"

Plotnick has gone above and beyond to highlight as many of paleontology's contributors as possible, demonstrating that it is an increasingly inclusive, diverse field of study. Explorers of Deep Time is an invaluable tool for the budding scientist and a beautiful homage to the breadth and depth of this discipline.--Emily Graslie, host of Prehistoric Road Trip on PBS

Plotnick's personal anecdotes about his journey through his paleontological career are enjoyable to read. He has had a lot of fun in what can be a very challenging field, and it shows--this book will inspire younger generations to pick up the torch.--Victoria Arbour, curator of paleontology, Royal BC Museum

Roy Plotnick is an invertebrate paleontologist who loves his job. Here he writes an excellent tome filled with his personal experiences, friends, and numerous colleagues in the field. He provides a rare, very personal look at the aspirations and lives of paleontologists, including his own. Plotnick's detailed biographical perspective is important in how it personally documents this scientific profession today, and makes the case for its importance into the future. Even highly controversial issues are discussed, such as scientific vs commercial fossil collecting. The book is skillfully written in a way that engages professional scientists as well as members of the public with an interest in this field.--Lance Grande, Field Museum of Natural History, and author of Curators: Behind the Scenes of Natural History Museums

The book is comprehensive and everyone from a complete novice to the most established expert can understand and enjoy the writing.-- "Quarterly Review of Biology"

The text is well written and accessible to a wide audience, but a must read for anyone considering a career in paleontology....Highly recommended.-- "Choice"

This book's scope and readability as well as its candor and sincerity make it an exceptional read.-- "H-Sci-Tech-Med"

This is an excellent book for those who might be interested in pursuing paleontology for a career. Interesting and accessible for the casual reader.-- "Dear Author"

Plotnick neatly demonstrates why paleontology is relevant to the modern world of cloud data and smartphones--and perhaps more relevant than ever due to the accelerated rate of climate change in the twenty-first century. His frank discussions of some all-too-familiar issues facing paleontologists in their workplaces (be they museums or universities) will be helpful knowledge to students and professionals alike. --Lee Hall, paleontology field professional, Museum of the Rockies

About the Author

Roy Plotnick is professor emeritus in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is a fellow of the Geological Society of America and the Paleontological Society.