“An epic tale beautifully told.”
— Radio New Zealand
“A work of staggering depth that brings us into the search for the oldest human.”
— Star Tribune (Minneapolis)
“The story lines border on the insane…Despite ample opportunity, ‘Fossil Men’ never devolves into gonzo journalism. This is a function of Pattison’s uncanny ability to write evocatively about science. In this, he is every bit as good as the best scientist-writers. He describes the intricacies of the human wrist and foot with the skill of a poet. He breezes through the biomechanics of how chimps clamber and humans walk. And to my amazement, he explains in clear and compelling prose how scientists build family trees of ancient species. This is my research specialty (albeit with dinosaurs), but one I struggle to explain to my undergraduates. Next year, they’ll be getting a photocopy of Pattison’s chapter.”
— The New York Times
“If you have ever been interested in the origins of humankind, Fossil Men is a must-read. It’s a brilliant multi-layered account that showcases the history, politics, and the people who make it their business to search for our elusive ancestors. It is by far the most informative and insightful book I’ve read this year.”
—San Francisco Book Review
“In Fossil Men, Kermit Pattison takes us on a dazzling journey into deep geological time to explore the distant roots of humankind…Pattison combines his meticulously researched examination of the science of ancient humans with a visceral and penetrating tale of the intrigue, academic rivalry, pathological jealousy and intellectual inertia that has helped shape the evolution of scientific paradigms around human origins. He uses his first-hand experience of being on site in Ethiopia to detail the art, science, joys and challenges of fossil-hunting in a landscape as turbulent and unpredictable as the badlands of the Afar Depression in Ethiopia. His relationships with the key protagonists have enabled him to provide a compelling account of their characters, which turns out to be every bit as fascinating as the fossils they hanker after.”
— The Spectator
“Reads like an Indiana Jones sequel…Page-turner.”
—Politico
“In ‘Fossil Men,’ Pattison weaves the multiple intrigues of science, politics, and personalities into a masterly structured tale…the book leaves readers with a new sense of wonder at the origins of humankind.”
— The Christian Science Monitor
“An exciting book, full of colorful personalities, momentous discoveries, and new ideas that challenge us to reconsider everything we believed about the evolution of humankind…Lucy became a best-seller, and Fossil Men may well follow in its footsteps.”
— Booklist
“Compelling science…perfect for National Geographic readers who want to dig deep into the human evolutionary tree.”
— Library Journal
“Big personalities, simmering turmoil, and fascinating popular science.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Equal parts biography and adventure novel, Pattison illustrates the colorful characters — flaws and all — whose research has shaped our origin story as we know it today.”
— Discover magazine listing of “Must-Read Science Books”
“For anyone interested in fossil hunting, evolutionary science and a hominid skeleton like no other, this book delivers.”
— Science News
“Lively debut… Pattison ably combines the adventure yarn with scientific minutiae… those interested in human origins should check out this vivid and thorough study.”
— Publishers Weekly
“I love this book!”
—Kerri Miller, Minnesota Public Radio
“An incredibly well-researched book that tells the definitive insider’s story…It did not take long for me to become completely engrossed by Pattison’s portrayal of these scientists, and to be in awe of the skill with which he tackles numerous complex biological topics…A page-turner that you will not regret.”
—The Inquisitive Biologist
“A remarkably engaging disclosure of the inner workings of paleoanthropology and its major stakeholders…meticulously described and brilliantly contextualized.”
— American Journal of Physical Anthropology
“Perceptive and revealing…Pattison has a commendable and enviable grasp of a wide range of difficult methods and concepts.”
— Journal of Human Evolution
“A rip-roaring tale, Fossil Men is one of those rare books that can be a prism through which to view the world, exposing the fabric of the Earth and illuminating the Tree of Life.”
— Peter Nichols, New York Times bestselling author
“Fossil Men is a wonderful mix of history, science and politics, full of pathos and insight in equal measure. This book should be required reading for all those who care about how science may help answer the question of who we are as humans. A monumental achievement!”
— Hasok Chang, Professor of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge
