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The Codex & The Helix: Book Arts Exploring Evolution: Beyond the 6th Extinction: A Fifth Millennium Bestiary

In February of 2009, Foley Library marked the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species, with a small collection of original juried artist's books that faithfully portray the science behin

Beyond the 6th Extinction: A Fifth Millennium Bestiary

by  Shawn W. Sheehy

Artist's Statement:

In "The Sixth Extinction," Richard Leakey describes five major catastrophes that led to significant extinctions; the last of which was the meteor impact that eliminated the dinosaurs.  He theorizes that the sixth big extinction--authored by humans--is well under way. 

If humans are successful in instigating a profound die-off, undoubtedly some creatures will survive and differentiate to fill the niches evacuated by extinguished species.  This book features eight of these evolved creatures, featured in their post-apocalyptic environments and accompanied by text that describes each creature and its role in restoring a healthful environment.

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