The Evolution of Life

School Library Journal

ea. vol: illus. by Lorenzo Orlandi. 57p. charts. diags. maps. chron. (History of Life on Earth Series). Facts on File. 1987. PSm $12.95. Gr 7 Up These two volumes are lavishly illustrated with full-color endpapers, drawings, maps , and charts, but are written in a cumbersome, awkward style. Anthropomorphism reigns: a hagfish is described as devouring its ``unfortunate victim''; and such strange usages as the ``discovery of feathers'' by birds during their evolution are commonplace. Neither volume contains an index. Although this field needs modern, up-to-date additions, these two do not fill the bill. Frances E. Millhouser, Arlington County Department of Libraries, Va.