Explore the fascinating land that was Planet Earth in the time before humans in this new guide from nature writer Marianne Taylor. This beautiful book reveals the diversity of life on Earth in the time before humans came to dominate the planet. Learn how species rose, fell, and evolved as they adapted to a changing climate and the varied ecosystems that developed. Discover the five mass extinction events and how life emerged again despite the challenges. Explore the majesty of the dinosaurs, how birds evolved, and the fascinating ancestors of the many animals that we know and love today. The text is brought to life by superb full-color photos, artworks, charts, maps, and infographics to reveal the early history of the planet in all its splendor.