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The Dinosaur Artist: Obsession, Science, and the Global Quest for FossilsIn 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
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.Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Hachette Books
Published: 09/10/2019
ISBN: 9780316382519
Pages: 432
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 8.10h x 5.40w x 1.30d
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★★★★★ 5
Quality!
Color: Brown
Bought this for my husband. It is a bit weighty, which makes it feel substantial.
The covering material feels like velvety suede. We got the brown one. It looks like we spent good money for it but the price was really reasonable.
He just needed something in between small and large and this was perfect for storing his glasses, watch, billfold, etc.
Great quality! Very pleased!
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Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2024
★★★★★ 5
Stylish
Color: Brown
Stylish, convenient and helps keep the household keys, sunglasses and other items in one place.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Great Product
Color: Brown
Looks great. Hope it will last many years!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Man Tray!
Color: *Black, Color: *Black
Love it my girlfriend had a “purse bowl” and i always left my stuff laying around so I wanted something to hold my daily essentials all in one spot, So i chose the most minimalistic and simple tray for myself and i gotta say, it’s really nice, it imitates the leather feels and simple luxury look. I highly recommend this for men if you need an area to leave your items. Size is great imo.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2026
★★★★★ 4
Great valet tray!
Color: Brown
I needed something to help me keep my personal items organized, and saw this valet tray. I like how it looked and bought one. Then a bought a couple for my kids for Christmas presents, then a few more for around the house. We all like them because it feels good to be somewhat organized. I would definitely recommend them.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2026