"Origins is a journey. The book is to be experienced, not simply read. It celebrates the inevitability of global change and highlights our need to recognize and adjust to it. Displaying Redfern's remarkable breadth and diversity of knowledge, Origins draws on discoveries in natural history, geology, geography and paleontology to unravel secrets millions of years old. Its unique structure offers readers the opportunity to pursue two distinct but parallel narratives - the first characterized by discrete photo essays, the second by running text. Designed to be browsed or read cover-to-cover, each chapter provides a fascinating glimpse into the formation and development of our world." "Panoramic photography reveals the physical legacy of Earth's past and provides a clear and original perspective to our dynamic planet. A compelling narrative places our contemporary world in a historical context that says human, like all living things, must embrace change or die."--Jacket.

First light --New look at an old planet -- Iapetus and Avalonia -- Tornquist's sea -- The third age -- Middle-earth -- The new world -- Atlantic realm -- Maritime west -- Midland and Nordic seas -- Fountains of youth -- Children of the apple tree -- Epilogue : between two waves of the sea.