Description
Book SynopsisTells the story of the grandest period of fossil discovery in American history, the years from 1750 to 1890. This volume begins with Thomas Jefferson, whose keen interest in the American mastodon led him to champion the study of fossil vertebrates. It also provides descriptions of the actual work of prospecting for fossils.
Trade Review"'This tale begins Thomson's look at the early years of American fossil hunting. In addition to a history of paleontology, it is an account of the opening of the West and of how adventurous and often egotistical men mined the new land for fossils. The book explains how Darwinian evolution made the second half of this 'golden age' important scientifically, but Thomson really succeeds by bringing to life the fossil-finders and their world.' Marc Kaufman, Washington Post 'this unique and fascinating book... but what makes the book unique is that Thomson links the emergence of the new nation to the discovery of its fossils. Along the way, he turns up many surprising gems.' Michelle Press, Scientific American"
