Review by Choice Review
The chapters in this up-to-date, clearly presented work on the origin, early evolution, and phylogeny of flowering plants are written by recognized experts on paleobotany, comparative morphology, development, and structural and molecular phylogeny, and edited by two solid authorities on the origin and early evolution of angiosperms. Although heavily oriented towards paleobotany and morphological evidence, it is probably the best summary of the field to come out in the last ten to 15 years. Several other excellent works are still available on angiosperm evolution: Origin and Early Evolution of Angiosperms, ed. by Charles B. Beck (CH, Nov'76); Historical Perspectives of Angiosperm Evolution, by D.L. Dilcher and W.L. Crepet (1984); and The Origins of Angiosperms and Their Biological Consequences, ed. by E.M. Friis et al. (CH, Sep'88); but there has been sufficient new information generated to warrant preparation of the book under review. Although a compilation of different writing styles, this book is well edited for consistency of content, and all the authors follow a similar overall format. For anyone interested in the evolution of angiosperms, including systematists, morphologists, and paleobotanists. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. F. G. Dennis Jr. Michigan State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
