|
|
|
Amber
David A. Grimaldi
mmmGrimaldi, chair of the American Museum of Natural History's Department of Entomology, has skillfully combined the natural history of amber with coverage of its uses throughout history in art and sculpture. Among the book's greatest strengths are the copious and outstanding photographs and illustrations of specimens and objets d'art with accompanying descriptive notes. Along with the books by George Poinar (see below) possibly the best out there.
Amber: the Golden Gem of the Ages
Dr. Patty C. Rice
mmm Dr. Rice begins with the history of amber, which moves from the Stone Age through archaeological finds, ancient writings and medieval chronicles, and then on to explore the scientific studies of amber and how it attained commercial value. It provides information on the cultural changes relating to amber jewelry plus the mystical powers attributed to the gem.
Amber
Andrew Ross
mmm Ross's book fills a niche left vacant by other recent books on the subject. Where other authors have concentrated on the history of amber's use for decorative objects and adornment, Ross offers more practical value for amateur naturalists. How do you tell fakes? How do you identify inclusions? This book should appeal to hobbyists, museum-goers, and anyone with a serious interest in amber.-David A. Grimaldi
The Amber Book
Ake Dahlstrom and Leif Brost
The authors have included all the relevant scientific information that is required to examine and identify amber from its imitations. A historical timeline is presented in chart form to help put the formation of amber into perspective. World maps show the present and past locations where amber is found, with interesting photographs to reveal how amber is harvested. Curious stories describe myths and folklore.
Amber Books
by George and Roberta Poinar
mmmThe Poinars are without doubt some of the leading Amber researchers of our generation. Their invaluable findings and their large collections of specimens and pictures have given us a deep insight into the world of Amber. With often special emphasis on Dominican Amber, they provide us in their several books with colorful images and illustrations that help everyone to understand the true nature of Amber.
Jurassic
Park
Michael Crichton
mmmFor many of us it is not far fetched to say that it was Michael Crichton's novel 'Jurassic Park' and Steven Spielberg's subsequent movie that brought us closer to Dominican Amber. The initial idea that mosquitoes in Dominican Amber could still retain Dino DNA was indeed intriguing, and in the wake of the novel and especially the movie every news organization on the planet had to publish at least one article on the concept. We know now that -- as entertaining as the notion may be -- it is scientifically and historically impossible for Dominican Amber to bring back the Dinos (see our article on the subject here). Still, that did not stop Michael and Steve to develop a successful franchise. In fact, Jurassic Park IV is due next year and there seems to be no end to the novelizations based on the original books.
