When the Earth Was Green: Plants, Animals and Evolution’s Greatest Romance
By Riley Black
St. Martin’s Press, 2025

Stories of prehistory usually focus on animals, but it was the plants and their ability to adapt to an evolving planet that made animal life possible. When the Earth Was Green walks through prehistoric time and place to explore the influence of plants on animal evolution and vice versa. Black shows how the dinosaurs of the Mesozoic era, the colossal mammals of the Ice Age, and even modern-day humans would not exist without the evolutionary efforts of their green counterparts, underscoring how the interactions between species have shaped the planet we call home.

About the Author
Riley Black is a paleontologist and science writer. She won the 2023 AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books as well as the National Center for Science and Education’s 2024 Friend of Darwin Award. Her books include Skeleton Keys and The Last Days of the Dinosaurs. Riley recently moved to Maryland from Utah.

Purchase the book
Please help support local independent bookstores by purchasing this book at Browseabout Books, official bookseller of the History Book Festival. Online sources and digital versions are tempting; however, supporting local brick and mortar shops helps to preserve our vibrant main streets. Drop by Browseabout, order books online, or call the store at 302-226-2665. You also may purchase a copy at biblion in Lewes.