The first female fossil hunter : the life and legacy of Mary Anning / Jayson Kowinsky.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kowinsky, Jayson, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Paleontology--England--Jurassic Coast--History.

Paleontology.

Paleontologists--Biography.

Paleontologists.

Women geologists--Biography.

Women geologists.

Paleontology--History.

Anning, Mary, 1799-1847.

Anning, Mary.

Jurassic Coast (England)--History.

Jurassic Coast (England).

England--Jurassic Coast.

England.

Genre:

Biographies.

Physical Description:

xvi, 194 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (black and white), maps ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Barnsley ; Havertown : Pen and Sword History, 2025.

Summary:

Standing at the base of a towering cliff, the layers of rock before you tell a story millions of years in the making. Few places on Earth reveal this tale as vividly as the Jurassic Coast of southern England. This book invites you to explore the geological, paleontological, and human history of this remarkable region, with a focus on the extraordinary life of Mary Anning. Standing at the base of a towering cliff, the layers of rock before you tell a story millions of years in the making. Few places on Earth reveal this tale as vividly as the Jurassic Coast of southern England. This book invites you to explore the geological, paleontological, and human history of this remarkable region, with a focus on the extraordinary life of Mary Anning. Yet Mary's story is also deeply human. As a working-class woman in Georgian England, she overcame societal barriers, navigating a world dominated by 'gentlemen naturalists.' Her determination and expertise earned her recognition from the prominent geologists of the time and even from figures like Charles Dickens, who celebrated her achievements in his writings. The book goes beyond Mary's life to explore the broader context of her era. It examines the formation of the Jurassic Coast's fossil-rich cliffs, the rise of professional geology and paleontology, and the harmonious interplay between faith and scientific discovery during the time. Mary's story is intertwined with those of other trailblazing women who also defied societal norms to shape the emerging sciences. Together, they formed a network of pioneering women whose contributions revolutionized our understanding of Earth's history. This is not just a story of fossils and science--it's a tale of resilience, curiosity, and the enduring impact of those who dared to challenge societal norms, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.

Contents:

Introduction. A trip to Lyme Regis

Part I. The geology and palaeontology of the Jurassic coast. Chapter 1. A primer for the Jurassic coast ; Chapter 2. Stratigraphy of Lyme Regis ; Chapter 3. Plant and invertebrate fossils of the Liassic Sea ; Chapter 4. Vertebrate fossils of the Liassic Sea

Part II. The story of Mary Anning. Chapter 5. British society in the eighteenth century ; Chapter 6. Science and the beginnnings of geology ; Chapter 7. Contemporary female geologists ; Chapter 8. A legendary infancy to a family fossil business Chapter 9. Family fossilist to world renowned fossil hunter ; Chapter 10. A new plesiosaur and the birth of a palaeontologist ; Chapter 11. Friendships, fossil discoveries, and fossil shops ; Chapter 12. A flurry of discoveries in the late 1820s ; Chapter 13. Gaining the recognition she deserved ; Chapter 14. The end of a story ; Chapter 15. Volume II... .

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1399038567

9781399038560

OCLC:

1523026728

Publisher Number:

90104466765

CIPO000286631