Taphonomy: A resource guide - Carol Smith Home Page

Ginsburg, R.N. (1973). Evolving Concepts in Sedimentology. Baltimore, MD: Johns
Hopkins University Press.
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A dated work, but one that contains an excellent section on biostratinomic processes
✮ Lyman, R.L. (1994). Vertebrate taphonomy. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University
Press.
Considered a primary textbook for many university courses on vertebrate
taphonomy. The author provides comprehensive coverage of historical, theoretical
and practical aspects of the discipline, as it relates to vertebrate organisms. Highly
recommended as an introductory text to the subject.
✮ Martin, R.E. (1999). Taphonomy: A process approach. Cambridge, England: New
York: Cambridge University Press.
This volume aims to cover the entire discipline of taphonomy, as it relates to both
plant and animal fossils, in both oceanic and terrestrial environments. A process
approach is emphasized, stressing its application in associated disciplines. A section
devoted to taphonomic laws, rules and classification models is of particular interest,
as it is a topic not treated in equal depth elsewhere.
Micozzi, M.S. (1991). Postmortem change in human and animal remains: A systematic
approach. Springfield, IL: C.C. Thomas.
Excerpt from author’s introductory synopsis: “This book provides a unique,
synthetic treatment of postmortem change presented in a systematic fashion with
attention to the relative chronologies of both physical and cultural factors that
influence human and animal remains. The author integrates reports and observations
in the anthropology /archaeology literature with material as appropriate from
medicine, pathology, paleopathology, ethnography and the forensic sciences (cover)”
Shipman, P. (1981). Life history of a fossil: an introduction to taphonomy and
paleoecology. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Not reviewed. A widely cited text on taphonomy. Still used in undergraduate
taphonomy courses today.