"Gee's book is an interesting shift of perspective. . . . worth a look if only to remind yourself that even great theories like Darwin's have limitations."--Emma Bayley, Focus. May, 2000.
"A persuasive as well as convivial introduction to cladistics--paleontology's answer to the discontinuities of Deep Time--from science writer Gee. . . . Gee's corrective arguments at once ground his science in humility and liberate thinking about Deep Time through their invitation to chart a seamless topology of life then and now."--Kirkus Reviews. November 15, 2000.
"In this eloquent treatise, Gee, a senior science writer for Nature, asserts that the dramatically different scales on which deep and ordinary time are measured have significant implications for evolutionary biology and paleontology."--Publishers Weekly, November 15, 1999.
"This is an important book because it clearly explains the workings and applications of the most versatile new implement in the toolbox of evolutionary biology. . . . Gee explains it all congenially and clearly, with wit, originality and self-deprecating humour. . . . if you've been reading newspaper and science magazine accounts of contentious issues in paleontology and evolutionary biology and wondering what's really behind so much of the debate, this is the book for you."--Kevin Padian, Scientific American. February, 2000.
"Gee presents a clear explanation of the principles of cladistics. . . . which has revolutionized our interpretation of fossils. . . . This book is intended for the informed reader, and as such is to be recommended."--David M. Irwin, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Canada. Nature, 3 February, 2000.
"Gee introduces readers to cladistics, the science of comparison that is quietly revolutionizing paleontology. . . . suggesting that. . . the hierarchical tree of life with humans at the top will be replaced by a bush of intertwined evolutionary branches."--Science News, 12/2/00.