Profiles of historical figures such as Georges Lemaitre, father of the Big Bang theory, and James Hutton, the founder of modern geology, describe the personalities and processes behind the seminal contributions to each field of knowledge. Case studies of scientists at work—in laboratories and observatories, beside frozen Antarctic lakes and in sweltering neotropical jungles, on scales ranging from the microscopic to the galactic—explain the tools and techniques of modern scientific discovery. Each volume is filled with photographs and illustrations, and is supplemented by a resource section and a glossary. The result is an invaluable reference for teachers and generalists alike, and a vivid portrait of science in the making.

Praise for American Museum of Natural History Books:
"Careful, logical, and intriguing instruction ... This is all current and immediately relevant, and we're in the hands of expert teachers." —Kirkus Reviews

About each title:

Cosmic Horizons: Astronomy at the Cutting Edge, edited by Steven Soter and Neil deGrasse Tyson

© AMNH

In this volume, essays by leading astronomers illuminate the most recent discoveries of modern astronomy and astrophysics. Filled with stunning color photographs, Cosmic Horizons investigates how the universe expands to produce galaxies, stars, and planets, and, perhaps, life on other planets. Complex astrophysical theories are clearly explained, as are the emerging technologies that underlie the exploration of the farthest reaches of space.

Praise for Cosmic Horizons:
"Wonderful vignettes of science at the frontiers, drawn by select practitioners of the field ..." —Frank Shu, University of California, Berkeley

"An excellent book, very stimulating ... it explains the way that astronomers think. Also, all the hot topics are here. If astronomy had a Super Bowl, this would be our playbook." —Robert Williams, Hubble Space Telescope Institute

The Biodiversity Crisis: Losing What Counts, edited by Michael J. Novacek

© AMNH

This book focuses on the variety and interrelatedness of all living things on Earth, and explains how the mass extinction of recent centuries is threatening life on the planet. Including essays by experts such as E.O. Wilson, Niles Eldredge, and Peter Raven, and profiles of naturalists like Jane Goodall, The Biodiversity Crisis presents strategies and solutions for putting a stop to the escalating rate of species extinction.

Praise for The Biodiversity Crisis:
"Crammed with attractive drawings, photos, and sidebars [The Biodiversity Crisis] assembles a squadron of top guns from relevant fields—among them evolutionary biology, paleontology, environmental chemistry, and economics—to explain what's wrong in various ecosystems and how the damage might be mitigated." —Publishers Weekly

"In a lucid and informative text, The Biodiversity Crisis describes the grandeur of our biological wealth, our dependence on it, and the need of everyone to protect and sustain it." —George B. Schaller, Wildlife Conservation Society

Earth: Inside and Out, edited by Edmond A. Mathez

© AMNH

Earth: Inside and Out takes readers on a journey to the center of the Earth and beyond, with essays by and about leading scientists at key universities and government agencies. The book examines the phenomena that shape our planet, including the working of the core and mantle, plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes, the oceans and climate systems, and how all of these processes interact in the dynamic system called Earth.

Praise for Earth: Inside and Out:
"There is surely no more fascinating planet than the one on which we live. The story of how our home planet works, how life is sustained, how and why continents move, and why the climate is never constant, is beautifully told by Dr. Mathez and his colleagues. Written by the scientists who are doing the research, and presented in an accessible and engaging manner, Earth: Inside and Out is a book of discovery that will delight and fascinate all who ... read it." —Brian J. Skinner, Yale University

Also in the series:

Epidemic! The World of Infectious Disease

© AMNH

Published in 1999 and edited by AMNH Curator Dr. Rob De Salle, this book explores the world's infectious diseases through a natural history perspective. The volume was published in conjunction with the exhibition "Epidemic! The World of Infectious Disease".