This is the sixth book in a series of publications.
The following quote from the introduction illustrates the editors’ vision and offers an example of the writing style.
“The idea for this book came about from the realisation that micropalaeontology as a discipline had reached a watershed. The global closure of research schools worldwide and changing trends in science funding support meant that perhaps it was timely to step back and look at how the discipline had developed from a global perspective.”
Advances in chemical dating techniques, geophysical methods, and the like, mean for many they have become the preferred tools of analysis over those of micropalaeontology; particularly in drilling activities. Real-time data from down-hole equipment has eclipsed micropaleaontology, where a specialist is needed to interpret fossil data which is blurred as it travels to surface and is already historical by the time it reaches the microscope…
This is plainly an academic book for academics. I imagine particularly micropalaeontologists? Who else would have the grit to plod through it?
There is a structure to the book, but no real flow or narrative which is a real shame & a lost opportunity. There are some genuinely interesting nuggets within the text, but they have to be picked out from among the meticulously referenced text. I understand the importance of academic exactitude, but the title – although long winded – suggests a journey, a story; epic “Landmarks”. The landmarks are there to be sure, but any excitement or reader involvement is lost by the dry presentation. There are academic writers who manage to be informative, factual, referenced and readable. This is decidedly not a page-turner where one is encourage to read on by easy writing style. Every gem has to be hewn from the coalface with an axe. Rather like being forced to do Latin declensions instead of reading poetry…
Those with an interest in historical geology, the oil industry, the channel tunnel, war deprived determination and the like should all be wanting to read this book eagerly. Instead it is as if the authors wish to tease & frustrate the reader? There are some great eccentrics in the early years, but by the time the dryness has beaten you about the head, it’s hard to raise a smile; and so it continues…
In summary - it is a book to be recommended to those with dedication, patience and determination.
by Martin Carruthers
LANDMARKS IN FORAMINIFERAL MICROPALAEONTOLGY – HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT
Edited by: A.J. Bowden, F.J. Gregory, and A.S. Henderson 2013 Published for The Micropalaeontology Society, by The Geological Society of London ISBN 978-1-86239-371-4 360 pages. List price: £95.00