The first dinosaur: How science solved the greatest mystery on earth by Ian Lendler

Although this book is purportedly about dinosaurs, it’s really about the history and development of modern science. Using the discovery and research into dinosaurs and fossils, primarily in the fossil-rich land of England, Lendler shows the development of science through the Industrial Age and into modern times. The various characters are vividly portrayed, from Mary Anning, ignored because of her working-class origins and femininity to William Buckland, a charismatic teacher and key player in early geology and paleontology, now mostly forgotten. Lendler details the human aspects of science, showing the one-sided feud of Richard Owen and Gideon Mantell, and how Owen’s attempts to destroy Mantell’s career and reputation persisted.

Along the way, Lendler brings in historical context, dinosaurs in fiction, politics, and the early creation of academic research into the past history of the world. He deals respectfully but honestly with religion, showing how many of the early scientists were also ministers who struggled to reconcile their faith with their scientific discoveries. The book is peppered with sidebars, illustrations, and other fascinating bits of information.

An epilogue gives more detail about the careers and fate of the main players, including places, animals, and fossils, starting with Nicolaus Stend, who died in 1686, and ending with the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs, which are currently being renovated and restored for a new generation to enjoy and wonder at. The book includes a bibliography, acknowledgments, credits, and index.

There is one glaring error, which I suspect is a result of the printers, not the publishers. On page 182-183, the illustration of a titanosaur stretches across the page, and a chunk of text at the bottom of the page of 182 is missing. The text reads, “It just so happened that the only three dinosaurs that had been discovered back” and continues on the next page “of the carnivorous Megalosaurus, genuinely terrifying). I would guess the illustration bumped it off the page and somehow nobody noticed.

Verdict: Despite this error, which I hope will be rectified in future editions, this is one of the best narrative nonfiction books I’ve seen in a long time. While centering on England and the scientific development there, it doesn’t shy away from the cultural context, mentioning the exclusion of women and the class struggle that left many unrecognized, even when they had done the work of discovery. It’s a riveting account of the rapid way scientific discoveries changed the world and the way we think. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 9781534427006; Published October 2019 by Margaret K. McElderry; Purchased for the library