The Dinosaur Artist: Obsession, Betrayal, and the Quest for Earth's Ultimate Trophy

Name: The Dinosaur Artist: Obsession, Betrayal, and the Quest for Earth's Ultimate Trophy
Price: 8.26 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (247 reviews)

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Book Synopsis: In this 2018 New York Times Notable Book, Paige Williams “does for fossils what Susan Orlean did for orchids” (Book Riot) in her account of one Florida man’s attempt to sell a dinosaur skeleton from Mongolia--a story “steeped in natural history, human nature, commerce, crime, science, and politics” (Rebecca Skloot). In 2012, a New York auction catalogue boasted an unusual offering: “a superb Tyrannosaurus skeleton.” In fact, Lot 49135 consisted of a nearly complete T. bataar, a close cousin to the most famous animal that ever lived. The fossils now on display in a Manhattan event space had been unearthed in Mongolia, more than 6,000 miles away. At eight-feet high and 24 feet long, the specimen was spectacular, and when the gavel sounded the winning bid was over $1 million. Eric Prokopi, a thirty-eight-year-old Floridian, was the man who had brought this extraordinary skeleton to market. A onetime swimmer who spent his teenage years diving for shark teeth, Prokopi’s singular obsession with fossils fueled a thriving business hunting, preparing, and selling specimens, to clients ranging from natural history museums to avid private collectors like actor Leonardo DiCaprio. But there was a problem. This time, facing financial strain, had Prokopi gone too far? As the T. bataar went to auction, a network of paleontologists alerted the government of Mongolia to the eye-catching lot. As an international custody battle ensued, Prokopi watched as his own world unraveled. In the tradition of The Orchid Thief, The Dinosaur Artist is a stunning work of narrative journalism about humans’ relationship with natural history and a seemingly intractable conflict between science and commerce. A story that stretches from Florida’s Land O’ Lakes to the Gobi Desert, The Dinosaur Artist illuminates the history of fossil collecting--a murky, sometimes risky business, populated by eccentrics and obsessives, where the lines between poacher and hunter, collector and smuggler, enthusiast and opportunist, can easily blur. In her first book, Paige Williams has given readers an irresistible story that spans continents, cultures, and millennia as she examines the question of who, ultimately, owns the past.

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Are you fascinated by the mysteries of our planet's past? Dive into the captivating world of fossils and the thrilling hunt for one of Earth's ultimate treasures with "The Dinosaur Artist" by Paige Williams. Named a New York Times Notable Book, this gripping account takes you on an exhilarating journey filled with obsession, betrayal, and the relentless quest for the perfect dinosaur skeleton.

Step into the remarkable story of Eric Prokopi, a Florida man whose deep passion for fossils led him to uncover a rare and remarkable T. bataar skeleton from Mongolia. This nearly complete specimen, measuring an impressive eight-feet high and 24 feet long, held the potential to reshape our understanding of prehistoric creatures. However, as Prokopi attempted to sell the dinosaur skeleton for over a million dollars, he found himself caught in a web of international intrigue.

In "The Dinosaur Artist," Paige Williams masterfully blends natural history, human nature, commerce, crime, science, and politics. Drawing comparisons to Susan Orlean's "The Orchid Thief," Williams explores the captivating world of fossil collecting, revealing the dark and often dangerous side of this exhilarating pursuit. Prepare to be transported from the deserts of Mongolia to the bustling streets of Manhattan as this compelling tale unravels.

Readers will be captivated by the larger-than-life personalities, the murky business dealings, and the intriguing conflict between science and commerce that lies at the heart of "The Dinosaur Artist." With meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Williams brings to life a cast of eccentric characters who blur the lines between poacher and hunter, collector and smuggler.

Unearth the enthralling history of fossil collecting as you ponder the question of who truly owns the past. Immerse yourself in the pages of "The Dinosaur Artist" and embark on an unforgettable adventure that spans continents, cultures, and millennia. Don't miss out on this extraordinary tale that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the world of dinosaurs.

Ready to explore the captivating world of "The Dinosaur Artist"? Order your copy today and embark on a thrilling journey of obsession, betrayal, and the quest for Earth's ultimate trophy. Click here to secure your adventure now!

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