Evolution of the Insects

Insects are the most diverse group of organisms in the 3 billion-year history of life on Earth, and the most ecologically dominant animals on land. This book chronicles for the first time the complete evolutionary history of insects: their living diversity, relationships and 400 million years of fossils. Whereas other volumes have focused on either living species or fossils, this is the first comprehensive synthesis of all aspects of insect evolution. The book is illustrated with 955 photo- and electronmicrographs, drawings, diagrams, and field photos, many in full colour and virtually all of them original. The book will appeal to anyone engaged with insect diversity: professional entomologists and students, insect and fossil collectors, and naturalists.

'A landmark contribution, not just to entomology and evolutionary biology, but to the life sciences as a whole. Beautifully conceived, splendidly written, and exquisitely illustrated ... Bound to remain a primary scientific reference for years to come. A must for naturalists, young and old. Truly a definitive work.' Thomas Eisner, Cornell University, author of For Love of Insects

'... insects deserve the immense, sumptuously illustrated monograph text Grimaldi and Engel have now provided. Evolution of the Insects is a hugely impressive achievement. Throughout, the writing is clear and lively, the scholarship outstanding and the amount of information summarized vast. The enthusiasm of the authors for entomology shows in every aspect of this book, but the task of creating or assembling the images alone has evidently been a colossal labour of love. ... for its wealth of insights, as well as its unprecedented scope and depth, this superlative synthesis should have a durable appeal not only to entomologists, but also to biologists in general.' TRENDS in Ecology and Evolution

'There are a number of good entomology books on the market. Few, however, have integrated the living and fossil record as seamlessly as David Grimaldi and Michael Engel's Evolution of the Insects. None, moreover, has combined this integration with so much student-friendly text and such a wealth of illustrations (more than 900). The book shows that lavish photography and lucidity need not be the prerogative of popular entomology ... Whatever is in store, Evolution of the Insects superbly documents the rich and colorful history of hexapods.' Science

'... a 'must have' for anyone interested in this extraordinary group of organisms ... the stress on the importance of insects in the daily life of the planet is one of the book's many strengths ... a joy simply to browse, not only because of the high standard of the images ... but also because of the discoveries to be made on every page ...' BBC Wildlife

'Grimaldi and Engel, two entomologists, have produced a really excellent, beautifully illustrated account that will enthral both student and general reader. They have gone to town on the tome that is not just informative but also accessible and covers one of the most important topics in biology.' New Scientist

'... the book whips up the mind without forgetting the eyes. I challenge anyone who opens its covers not to have one's eyes bamboozled by the visual treat within; fabulous photos of living insects, rare fossils and stunning electron micrographs and line drawings ... a must for anyone even remotely interested in insects...' Nick Baker, author of The New Amateur Naturalist

'... the next great evolutionary jolt has been given to entomology by Grimaldi and Engel's book ... I find the information presented is accurate and surprisingly detailed. Importantly, too, the text has a freshness and a new approach which can be lacking in books where specialists in the group are yet again asked to write a section. ... This is quite simply a beautiful, comprehensive, amazingly good value book that is not just for entomologists and I would wager there will be few who do not have a copy on their shelves in a short time from now. It is also within the grasp of students as an excellent entomology textbook and is more than attractive enough for the general biologist/naturalist to be interested in ... this book not only gives the science of entomology a new vitamin shot in the arm but it should also do much to increase the popularity of this animal group among the non specialists. Can you afford not to have a copy on your bookshelves/coffee table?' Biologist

'... this is the single, most authoritative up-to-date and beautiful book treating all insects and the most wonderfully written (the seamlessness with which one topic melts into another literally 'sucks one in' ... reading this book will enable every entomologist to painlessly discover his or her roots.' European Journal of Entomology

'Authoritative and encyclopaedic ... Evolution of the Insects is the first book that has attempted to pull together and synthesize both fossil and recent evidence for insect evolution, and to present the information in an accessible, engaging way. They have succeeded to an unprecedented degree, and anyone with an active or passing interest in insects owes it to themselves to have a look ... will fill a number of important roles; a text for the serious student of insects, a reference for a wealth of information on insect evolution, and a source of joy for the casual reader who picks it up and opens it to any of the hundreds of intriguing stories and examples it contains.' The Times Literary Supplement

'... this is a superb book, and anyone who is not already an entomophile most likely will be after browsing through it.' Palaeontological Association Newsletter