And to my amazement, he explains in clear and compelling prose how scientists build family trees of ancient species. He breezes through the biomechanics of how chimps clamber and humans walk.
He describes the intricacies of the human wrist and foot with the skill of a poet. In this, he is every bit as good as the best scientist-writers. This is a function of Pattison’s uncanny ability to write evocatively about science. Despite ample opportunity, Fossil Men never devolves into gonzo journalism. In 1994, an ancient trove of bones was unearthed in the Afar Depression, an Ethiopian desert of scorching heat, dangerous animals, and deadly tribal warfare. The story lines border on the insane: There are civil wars, gunfights, at least one grenade rolling around the feet of the scientists as they drive into the desert and, sadly, a violent death. Fossil Men tells the scientific detective story behind the discovery of the oldest skeleton in the human family.
In places, Fossil Men seems more reality television show than a work of popular science, as we follow an outrageous cast of White’s supporting characters. Fossil Men: The Quest for the Oldest Skeleton and the Origins of Humankind Hardcover Novemby Kermit Pattison (Author) 750 ratings See all formats and editions Kindle 14.99 Read with Our Free App Audiobook 0.00 Free with your Audible trial Hardcover 8.99 74 Used from 2.25 33 New from 8.99 1 Collectible from 20. Often vulgar, but charming and funny, he commands an army of loyal friends against tides of intellectual enemies. Fossil Men - by Kermit Pattison 17.89When purchased online In Stock Add to cart About this item Specifications Dimensions (Overall): 9.2 Inches (H) x 6.1 Inches (W) x 1.8 Inches (D) Weight: 1. Obsessed with the tiniest bumps on ancient bones, and peeved at anyone who interprets those bumps differently, he’s ruthless in his quest to find new fossils, no matter what war zone or swarm of poisonous pests might be in the way. He’s portrayed as a brilliant antihero, Indiana Jones meets Tony Soprano.
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