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The Fossil Hunter: Dinosaurs, Evolution, and the Woman Whose Discoveries Changed the World by Shelley Emling - 4* - My Review

This biography of Mary Anning (1799 – 1847) documents the life of a working-class woman who became one of the most significant paleontologists of the 19th century. As a child, Mary Anning accompanied her father during his forays along the cliffs of Lyme Regis, England, to collect “curiosities” to sell to tourists. He died when Mary was eleven years old, and she continued to hunt for fossils. What began as economic necessity evolved into a passionate scientific pursuit that would span her entire life. This book establishes Mary Anning’s place in the history of scientific progress.

As a woman, Anning was barred from joining scientific societies or publishing her findings. Many male scientists who built their reputations on her discoveries failed to credit her work. Despite these challenges, Anning maintained detailed notebooks, taught herself anatomy and geology, and earned the respect of leading scientists who sought her expertise. Emling vividly depicts how Anning's discoveries, including the first complete ichthyosaur skeleton, a plesiosaur, and numerous pterosaurs, took place during a period of intense debate about the age of the Earth and the nature of extinction. The depictions of the Dorset coast where Anning worked, including dangerous cliffs, treacherous tides, and harsh weather conditions, provide an idea of the physical risks she took in pursuit of her passion.

I had heard about Mary Anning and have read other books that reference her work; however, I had not previously read a detailed biography of her life. This book portrays Anning's remarkable achievements in paleontology and archeology, which is even more impressive given her lack of formal education and the restrictions on women of the time. The biography raises questions about gender, class, and recognition in science, which remain relevant today. It is a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in paleontology, scientific history, or women’s issues.