Fossil Hunters

While most books about scientists lack any real conflict, this volume from the new Fossil Hunters series tells of the Bone Wars, a clash between two American paleontologists. In 1868 at the Haddonfield, New Jersey marl pit, Othniel Marsh and Edward Cope established a cooperative relationship, but it deteriorated rapidly. Over the next two decades, each man established dinosaur digs in Wyoming and Colorado, spied on the other’s work, and engaged in bribery, theft, and sabotage, even dynamiting fossil sites. Finally, their newspaper attacks on each other’s expertise, honor, and sanity alienated the scientific community and led to the end of the Bone Wars. Goldish writes in a clear, straightforward manner, letting the story’s inherent drama speak for itself. Fair and balanced, the account acknowledges the damage done by both men, as well as their scientific achievements. Attractive page design enhances the presentation, part of the Fossil Hunters series, which includes a paragraph or two on each page and along with a modern photo of an artifacts or an archival photo of individuals, sites, or fossils.