Publisher's description: "Step back in time and uncover the secrets of the past. With this fully illustrated book as your guide, you can enter the amazing and fascinating world of fossil collecting. Find out how fossils and their distribution illuminate the way the earth used to be. Follow the various steps of the fossilization process. All of the basics of fossil collecting are covered, including how to recognize the types of rock that are likely to contain fossils, and the tools, equipment, and techniques you'll need. Particular emphasis is placed on safety measures, etiquette, and conservation. Tips are also given for cleaning, storing, preserving, and displaying your finds. Learn to document your collection so that it is of more interest to you and has more value to future generations. A handy guide helps you to identify your fossils. Arranged in three sections--fossils of invertebrate creatures, fossils of vertebrate animals, and fossils of plants--it includes the main identification characteristics of each family or group of organisms, a discussion of the lifestyle and environment of the living creatures, and, where relevant, photographs of present-day relations. Since every one offers a glimpse into the way the earth was thousands of years ago, by collecting fossils you have the power to travel into the prehistoric world. Sterling 80 pages (all in color), 7 1/2 x 9 3/4. "