annieb123's Review of The Trilobite Collector's Guide

by Andy Secher

For more than 250 million years, the primeval oceans of the Paleozoic teemed with trilobites. These hardy invertebrates evolved into an astonishing array of separate species—more than 25,000 at last count—and much remains unknown about these once-ubiquitous creatures. Fossil enthusiasts are captivated by trilobites’ diversity and adaptability, enthralled by the possibility of catching a glimpse of a transcendently strange past.

Andy Secher—one of the most prolific trilobite collectors in the world—takes readers on an entertaining and enlightening journey to the distant epoch when these ancient arthropods swarmed through the seas. The Trilobite Collector’s Guide presents a series of “Top Ten” lists covering everything from celebrated Cambrian localities and world-class fossil shows to invaluable collecting tips and ways to spot a fake trilobite. These brisk and often witty chapters enumerate trilobites in all their beauty and strangeness, from the most common to the ridiculously rare, the outrageously old to the last in line. The Trilobite Collector’s Guide showcases more than 350 full-color photographs, mostly of stunning specimens from Secher’s personal collection, that put trilobites’ staggering variety and complexity on full display. Engaging and informative, this book lets readers see the world of trilobites as it’s never been seen before.

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Trilobite Collector's Guide is a no-nonsense guide curated and written by paleontology field associate and heavy metal maven (yep) Andy Secher. Due out 23rd Jan 2024 from the Columbia University Press, it's 472 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a true guide built with collectors and rockhounds in mind. It's full of clear photos and an impressive amount of valuation and origin/location information for specific specimens. There -is- a fair amount of paleohistory and background biology/nomenclature, but the true focus of the book is where to find, how to acquire, and how to build a well curated collection of trilobites. Admittedly niche, but really cool.

The books sections are arranged logically and accessibly: top collecting locations for different periods and species trilobites, world class fossil/rock shows (and how to get there and what to expect), history and development of the hobby, morphology, collecting tips, and a lot LOT more. No minutiae is too obscure, and it's a *big* book. Impressively, like most really enthusiastic aficionados, Mr. Secher is more than happy to share his tips, tricks, and fascination with these prehistoric creatures. He's very knowledgeable and his writing style is inclusive and friendly. Despite being a very esoteric hobby, his language is layman accessible and fun to read.

The photography throughout is very clear. The author/publisher have also included a glossary and index. Nomenclature throughout is correct at the time of publication and to international zoological standards.

Five stars. This is a guide which will go into multiple editions before ever being superseded. It would make a superlative choice for public or post-secondary library acquisition, home use, and professional reference.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Reading updates

18 January, 2024: Started reading

18 January, 2024: Finished reading

18 January, 2024: Reviewed