Whereas The Age of the Earth was aimed at the general scientific public, Ancient Earth, Ancient Skies is aimed at the common reader, and it succeeds magnificently in clearly explaining the methods and results used by scientists in ascertaining the age of the earth and of the universe. Writing in RNCSE (2005 Jan–Apr; 25 [1–2]: 45–46), Timothy Heaton described Ancient Earth, Ancient Skies as "a much-needed contribution to scientific education ... [that] takes a pivotal and complex topic and makes it very easy to understand by non-scientists. ... This book deserves a place in every school and public library."