Originally published in 1993, this second edition of a successful textbook describes and explains in a refreshingly clear way the origin and evolution of plants as revealed by the fossil record and summarises paleobotanical information relevant to our understanding of the relationships between the major plant groups, extant and extinct. As in the first edition, the text is profusely illustrated with line illustrations and half-tones. For those students with little knowledge of plant structure and morphology there is a brief resumé of those features of extant plants that will be needed to gain a better understanding of the fossil record. Summarising charts are also used to help students visualise the interpretative material. Review of the hardback: 'This textbook is well written and well researched. In all, it is a pleasure to own.' Nature Review of the hardback: 'I have seldom read a textbook with such enthusiasm and I shall recommend it to students and staff alike.' The Scientist Review of the hardback: 'I recommend it as an excellent text and as a valuable reference work for those in related fields.' American Scientist