The Origin and Early Diversification of Land Plants: A Cladistic Story Paperback - 1997

[R]emarkable . . . a treasure of organized information about specific taxa and characters; well-posed phylogenetic questions addressed by the analyses of taxa and traits whose choices are carefully justified; syntheses of molecular and morphological evidence; evolutionary scenarios explaining biogeographic patterns, morphological variation, and life history patterns -- in short, a reference book with a point of view. . . . An important guidepost for future comparative studies in botany. (Quarterly Review of Biology)

This excellent and detailed book stands as a model for how to approach the study of evolution, and is an essential addition to the bookshelves of anyone interested in the scope and diversification of life. (Nature)

[T]he style and precision with which the information is presented and illustrated is beyond reproach. . . . [T]his book is, without a doubt, a major contribution to the literature of plant science, both as a source of information and as a challenge to future generations of plant scientists. (Tree)

[T]his volume will become a landmark in the literature on land plant evolution and remain so for many years to come. . . . The authors do a good job of bringing order to a chaotic field. (Science)

This book is a must for professional botanists, but weekend naturalists should read it as well, just to get a feel for the true wonders that lie out there, behind what is immediately visible. Seek it out and buy it -- it will set you on a new plane of inquiry. (New Scientist)

Paul Kenrick is a researcher in the Department of Paleontology at the Natural History Museum in London.

Peter R. Crane is the director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.