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Summary: The Real Story of T-Rex Sue.
Review: This book told the dramatic events leading up to and including the purchase of Sue, the Tyrannosaurus rex fossil found in South Dakota in 1990. The book details how the fossil was found, excavated, then confiscated by the government in the years preceding its auction. The drama unfolds as the auction proceeds in the book, and the glimpses into the lives of persons and groups who hunt and buy fossils is fascinating. Intrigue, suspense, and courtroom drama--it has it all. I hope they make a movie out of this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Putting a price on the supposedly priceless
Review: We have gotten so used to the idea of Indiana Jones and the adventures in discovery of the past, that it's almost less shocking to see the maneuverings that went into the saga of Sue, to date the most complete T-Rex found. Some would say that it was only a matter of time before the heavy hand of commerce would intersect with the science of paleontology. After all, everything is now for sale on the Internet, and Jurassic Park and sequels have shown that dinosaurs are hot. Fiffer follows the 10 year saga of Sue, from discovery to final installation in the Field Museum in Chicago, liberally adding historic parallels in the history of fossil discovery and disbursement. Almost everyone in this story comes out painted with varying levels of guilt, greed and wrongdoing. Everyone, except really for Peter Larson, one of the founders of Sue, as well as co-founder (and namesake) Sue Hendrickson. Each of these characters get off lightly - possibly because their motives were fairly pure, or show the author's slant. Of course, in order to have a "little guy vs. government" story, you need a pure 'little guy.' At heart, the story is of the intersection of the law, and the philosophical issues of "what is a fossil" and "who can own a fossil." It is easier to read this, with the author's leaning against fossils in private collectors' hands, knowing the final disposition of the bones. The saga of Sue, the book shows, has opened the Pandora's Box of greater "ownership" and sale of fossils into private hands instead of the scientific community. But it is also the story of an unprecedented cooperation between a non-profit museum and corporate America to preserve our scientific heritage. The book itself is extremely enjoyable, with enough lesson on dinosaurs and fossils to allow you to understand issues, without overloading the reader. A light visit into the world of the dinosaurs, and of museums, as well as a cautionary tale of government interventions. One fault I do have is for a book so dedicated to the magnificence of Sue's bones and the redesign of her stance to reflect more updated scientific thinking, there are no pictures to illustrate what the author is trying to describe. That oversight is a shame.
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Summary: Paleontology vs. Politics
Review: When one envisions fossil hunting, especially of dinosaurs, it is often seen as a simple search, proceeded by a discovery, and finally a claim to fame for unearthing a valuable piece of our world's history. One would usually not even consider the conflicts and political questions raised in the discovery of new fossils. However, Steve Fiffer's Tyrannosaurus Sue: The Extraordinary Saga of the Largest, Most Fought over T. Rex Ever Found exposes the modern day reality of the trials and tribulations facing those looking to excavate fossils. The book centers on the story of Peter Larson and his merry band of paleontologists as they take on the evil forces of the U.S. government and a greedy landowner in a dispute over the ownership of the theropod fossil Tyrannosaurus sue. The account of the battle for Sue, from the initial and improbable discovery of the fossil to the final outcome, shows the common reader there is more to the collecting and studying of fossils than meets the eye. With the different aspects involved, from science to politics to even conspiracy, Fiffer's book is a must read for everyone from professionals in the scientific field to those interested in politics or to just an inquiring mind in search of a wild and amazing story. Fiffer is successful in portraying the opinions of all involved. The testimony and insight of the various players in this legal tug-of-war provide the reader a complete picture of what is going on. The point of view seems to favor Peter Larson, but all are given a chance to voice their view and Fiffer avoids portraying any of the parties involved as the "villain". This style allows the reader to form his own opinion regarding the matter being fought over. He also raises many questions regarding modern day fossil collection and study. The fate of Sue shows that a new era has arrived in paleontology, one that is based on money and politics rather than science. Some of the questions he raises include the rights given to commercial fossil collectors vs. academic paleontologists, the effects on scientist of the selling fossils for profit, and the clarity of federal law regarding and regulating the collection of fossils. These issues are ones that, for the sake of future scientific advancement, need solutions. This novel is able to capture the reader's mind from the outset. Fiffer's clear style of writing allows the reader to understand exactly what is occurring. While closely following the events that ensue from Sue's discovery to her arrival at her final home at the Field Museum of Natural History, the reader is also educated in some of the basics of paleontology, from the stories of great scientists of the past to the most elementary of the work involved in studying fossils, the reader is able to witness a great drama unfold while simultaneously being educated in the realm of science. The story of Sue is both thought provoking and entertaining.
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