The Fossil Hunter: Dinosaurs, Evolution, and the Woman Whose Discoveries Changed the World

Author: Shelley Emling

In this age of technology and virtually unlimited access to information, it  is continually surprising to see how many unsung female heroes still wait  in the shadows of history to be recognized. A well-written book is one of the most effective, and enjoyable,  ways to become acquainted with the women who made such gains in history, but have yet to be fully recognized for their significant contributions.

Shelley Emling has written such a book. The Fossil Hunter combines much needed information about Mary Anning’s professional accomplishments with the very personal tale of the events of her family and life. The result is an informative, well-crafted, and warm story of a woman at the vanguard of paleontology.

Editorial Reviews:

“Shelley Emling vividly brings to life the fascinating story of Mary Anning, the greatest fossil hunter of the early nineteenth century. Anning single-handedly recovered an extraordinary collection of fossils of marine and flying reptiles that helped shape the way we now see the incredibly long history of life on Earth. With this enjoyable book, Emling gives Anning her deserved place in history.” –Hans Sues, Associate Director of Research and Collections, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution

“The Fossil Hunter at long last brings to life one of the central figures in the early golden age of paleontological discovery — a woman of great diligence, and passion, and with a keen eye for fossil bone in the rock. As a young child, I was greatly inspired by  Mary Anning. As an adult, working paleontologist, I remain so, a conviction doubtless reinforced by Shelley Emling’s fascinating book.” –Michael Novacek, Provost, American Museum of Natural History

The Fossil Hunter is widely available from fine woman-owned resources such as Women & Children First, A Room of One’s Own, and bookstores in your community.