This unique, beautifully-illustrated book describes in detail the entire spectrum of life that occupied what is now the canyon country of southeastern Utah, from 320 to 40 million years ago. It discusses the several major extinctions of life that occurred during this time, and why for certain periods the region was entirely devoid of life. Well researched and fascinating.

The book was written for popular readership, and is based on a review of each geological formation currently exposed in the region and the fossil traces found there, as reported in hundreds of scientific papers. These listings are supplemented with descriptions of each deposit's living environment, plus accurate depictions of the life found there. The growing evidence that some of these ancient times were affected by catastrophic impacts of either meteors or comets is also addressed, with graphic reconstructions provided.

Numerous sidebars discuss such aspects of the region's prehistoric life as recent glacial cycles, prehistoric microbiolgy and fossil fuels, ancient desert food chains, major life extinctions, petrified dinosaur tracks, and some of the strange mineral deposits found in canyon country and their biological origins. One entire chapter deals with the variety of remnants of prehistoric life that can presently be found in canyon country. The book will be a rewarding addition to the collection of canyon country and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.

The book is profusely illustrated by gifted canyon country artist, Rick Showalter, with photographs from the author's extensive files.

128 pages, 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches. Illustrated.