Grundzüge der Paläontologie (Paläozoologie). 2. Abteilung: Vertebrata.

This work offers a compact yet thorough introduction to the study of fossil vertebrates, aiming to give students and enthusiasts a clear picture of how ancient bones and shells reveal the history of life. Written at a time when scattered, multilingual sources made the field hard to navigate, it gathers the most important findings into a single, organized volume. The author emphasizes a natural system of classification that respects both form and evolutionary relationships, while keeping the text concise enough for quick reference. Though detailed phylogenetic trees are omitted, the structure of each group hints at their genetic ties, helping readers see the broader picture without getting lost in technicalities.

The second edition brings together the latest discoveries from the early twentieth century, with specialists revising sections on fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Richly illustrated with over seven hundred plates, the book lets listeners visualize the diversity of extinct vertebrates as they explore the text. Its straightforward language and focused scope make it an ideal companion for anyone beginning a journey into paleontological science.