Australasian Fossils: A Students' Manual of Palaeontology

This manual opens with a concise overview of palaeontological principles, written by an experienced museum specialist. It guides readers through the methods used to uncover and identify fossils, emphasizing the unique geological contexts of Australia and New Zealand. Clear diagrams illustrate concepts such as stratigraphic superposition and the formation of silicified wood, while real‑world examples—from crustacean tracks in clay to ancient coral reefs—make the science tangible.

Following the introductory sections, the book presents an extensive illustrated catalogue of Australasian specimens. Over seventy high‑quality plates show everything from giant marsupial skeletons and feather impressions in ironstone to delicate foraminifera and amber‑preserved insects. Brief descriptive notes accompany each image, highlighting diagnostic features and ecological significance. Together, the visuals and explanatory text provide a practical reference for students learning field identification, collection techniques, and the broader evolutionary story recorded in the Southern Hemisphere’s fossil record.