The Atlas of Life on Earth offers a comprehensive, chronological survey of the Earth, its landscape and its life forms, from the beginning of the solar system 4.5 billion years ago to the present.The atlas is accessibly organized in six major parts, with 18 chapters devoted to each of the major geological periods, in which the crucial geological and biological developments in the history of our planet are described in lucid and intriguing detail. A concluding section looks at the ways in which the Earth and its biosphere continue to evolve today.

Each chapter begins with a timeline of the geological period in question and a vivid and arresting map presenting a ‘snapshot from space' of the world as it was then. These maps, together with detailed artworks (including lavish reconstructions of prehistoric landscapes), stunning photographs, and explanatory diagrams, take the reader on a fascinating, informative, and awe-inspiring journey through time.

Specially devised feature spreads illustrating graphically and elegantly the evolution and relationships of each major group of plants and animals provide the reader with an incomparable reference source. Each section of the atlas has been written by an acknowledged expert in the relevant field, ensuring clear, informed coverage of the exciting and extraordinary story of the evolution of our planet.

理查德·穆迪：英国金斯顿大学荣誉教授，在该大学讲授古生物学和地层学30年，独立及合作出版专著22部。25年来，他一直作为顾问受聘于石油公司，同时于1998~2000年担任英国地质家协会主席。

安德烈·茹拉夫列夫：俄罗斯科学院古生物研究所首席科学家，被授予俄罗斯荣誉科学博士。茹拉夫列夫的足迹遍及西伯利亚、蒙古、澳大利亚和伊朗，他系统收集了这些地区前寒武纪和寒武纪化石。目前，他的主要研究兴趣是古生态学。

杜戈尔·迪克逊：科普作家，其作品家喻户晓。迪克逊拥有地质学硕士学位，在广大读者心目中也是一位恐龙研究方面的知名人士。他出版了20多部有关恐龙的著作，其中不乏青少年喜爱的读物。

伊恩·詹金斯：英国布里斯托大学地球科学系古脊椎动物与比较解剖学家，曾在南非和北美洲采集标本，并曾于1999年参与英国广播公司《与恐龙同行》的录制工作。