Mary Anning's Grewsome Beasts

Mary Anning was a pioneering paleontologist who discovered important fossils that helped to invent the science of palaeontology. Her discoveries of ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and pterosaurs have been hidden or forgotten, but her work is still significant.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 64 pages
Publication date: 21 August 2021
Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa

This captivating book delves into the remarkable tale of a scientist named Mary Anning, whose discoveries played a pivotal role in shaping the field of palaeontology. While her work on Ichthyosaurs, Plesiosaurs, and Pterosaurs has already garnered widespread recognition, there remains a wealth of information and insights that have been overlooked or forgotten.

Mary Anning was a pioneering paleontologist who made groundbreaking discoveries during the early 19th century. She was born in Lyme Regis, Dorset, England, in 1799, and grew up in a family of fossil collectors. From a young age, Mary was fascinated by the natural world and spent countless hours exploring the beaches and cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, where she discovered many remarkable fossils.

One of Mary's most significant contributions to paleontology was her discovery of the first complete skeleton of a plesiosaur, a marine reptile that lived during the Jurassic period. This discovery was a major breakthrough in the field, as it provided scientists with valuable insights into the anatomy and behavior of these ancient creatures.

In addition to her work on plesiosaurs, Mary Anning also discovered numerous other fossils, including the first complete skeleton of a pterosaur, a flying reptile that lived during the Cretaceous period. Her discoveries helped to establish the existence of these previously unknown creatures and contributed to our understanding of the evolution of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals.

Despite her remarkable achievements, Mary Anning faced significant challenges throughout her career. She was a woman in a male-dominated field, and her work was often undervalued and overshadowed by her male colleagues. She also faced financial difficulties, as her work often required her to travel to remote locations and purchase expensive equipment.

Despite these challenges, Mary Anning remained committed to her work and continued to make groundbreaking discoveries. She was a passionate advocate for the importance of paleontology and education, and she worked tirelessly to promote the field to the public and to inspire young people to pursue careers in science.

Mary Anning's legacy continues to inspire scientists and enthusiasts alike. Her discoveries have helped to shape our understanding of the natural world and have contributed to our appreciation of the incredible diversity of life that has existed on Earth.

In conclusion, this book offers a fascinating and enlightening look into the life and work of Mary Anning, a pioneering paleontologist whose discoveries helped to shape the field of palaeontology. While her work on Ichthyosaurs, Plesiosaurs, and Pterosaurs has already garnered widespread recognition, there remains a wealth of information and insights that have been overlooked or forgotten. By delving into the details of her life and career, this book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the history and importance of paleontology.

Weight: 162g
Dimension: 190 x 229 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780639608297