Earth and Life: A Four Billion Year Conversation
Earth and Life is like a comfortable fireside conversation, linking geology and biology in an enlightening way. For me, this should be compulsory reading for any student pursuing these subjects as the way it discusses Earth system science shows the importance of us all understanding the links between the evolution of life and the planet, rather than studying them in isolation. I have long advocated for this approach in the UK’s secondary school curriculum, similar to in France.
Andrew Knoll has written a captivating book, which traces the multi-billion-year history of life on our planet. In doing so, he does not shy away from controversies but draws the reader into developing an understanding of the most fascinating ways in which Earth and life interact, showing how rocks, water and air work together to regulate our climate. Knoll answers difficult questions and poses some uncomfortable truths for us to ponder.
Despite some complex science, Knoll explains the importance of the main elements needed for life in a way that any interested reader or keen student can understand, while good quality diagrams help make points accessible. Oxygen’s story is given three chapters, such is its importance. Though my personal highlight is the chapter considering mass extinctions and recovery from them.
The book discusses cutting edge science in such an easy way that the reader feels like they are having a friendly conversation with one of the world’s most eminent experts on the evolution of life. I found myself hungry for more, questions that I had formed being answered and yet still leaving me with a desire to continue learning. If you have any interest in how life has evolved on our planet, then this book is most highly recommended.
Reviewed by Gordon Neighbour
DETAILS
BY: Andrew Knoll (2026) Princeton University Press, 328 pp.
ISBN: 9780691182230
PRICE: £25, available from Geoscientist’s bookshop
