Evolutionary Catastrophes

'... a beautifully written little book that, once picked up, is impossible to put down.' Geoscientist

' ... watch this space and read this book.' Bob White, New Scientist

'The book is very readable and provides a clear and concise picture for anyone interested in the subject. The text is well written and supported by clear footnotes where necessary and a comprehensive glossary ... [I] recommend this book for those at any stage in their studies or knowledge. It is written for a general audience but should not be missed by professionals.' Mike Hermolle, Open University Geological Society Journal

'[Vincent Coutillot] has done a superb job! A balanced and fair treatment of a complex of information, misinformation, and perhaps even disinformation. Although written for a general audience, this book should be obligatory reading for all professionals involved in the controversies surrounding the causes of mass extinction. Even the most committed will find their outlook broadened.' David M. Raup, Formerly Professor of Paleontology, University of Chicago, and author of Extinction, Bad Genes or Bad Luck? (Norton, 1991)

Praise for the original French edition: 'A real scientific thriller ... Vincent Courtillot brilliantly presents the stormy genesis of an original, unifying theory on the origin of the great biological extinctions which have marked the history of the earth.' Pascal Tassy, La Recherche

Praise for the original French edition: '... a vividly written book which ... clarifies many points that have been shrouded in darkness up until now'. French Edition of Scientific American

Praise for the original French edition: '... a science book and an adventure book'. Ciel et Espace

Praise for the original French edition: 'To be read by all paleontology, geology and ecology enthusiasts.' Sciences et Avenir

'Courtillot makes an excellent case for other mass extinctions being almost certainly related to cataclysmic volcanism. A well-written and well-reasoned book, essential for any library.' M. A. Wilson, Choice

'It is rare to find a first-rate geoscientist who can write a first-rate popular book on science, but Professor Courtillot is one such ... a lively exposition of the idea that mantle processes cause major stress to ecosystems. It is beautifully written ... The pace is fast, but the data well explained and authoritatively considered ... Anyone with an interest in mass extinctions or in the episodic and catastrophic nature of teh Earth's internal processes should rush out and read this book. It is a rewarding experience.' Susan Rigby, University of Edinburgh

'The description of how the conclusions were reached and confronted with views of the extraterrestrial party is vivid and instructive to non-geophysicists (I am among them).' Journal of Sedimentary Research

'Read and enjoy this book ... It represents a pleasantly argued counterpoint to the rather shrill and abrasively dismiss...

Vincent Courtillot is Professor of Geophysics at the University of Paris, heads a research group at Institut de Physique du Globe and is special advisor to the French Ministry of National Education, Research and Technology.

Foreword Claude Allge; Preface; Preface to the English translation; 1. Mass extinctions; 2. An asteroid impact; 3. From the roof of the world to the Deccan traps; 4. The volcanic scenario; 5. Plumes and hotspots; 6. A remarkable correlation; 7. Nemesis or Shiva?; 8. Chicxulub; 9. Controversy and coincidence; 10. Improbable catastrophes and the flukes of evolution; Index.