Product Description

In 1913 amateur fossil hunter and archaeologist Charles Dawson found in a gravel pit the cranium and jaw of an entirely new species of humanoid, which became known as Piltdown man, which caused headlines worldwide as the missing link between man and ape. In 1952, it was exposed as a hoax. With eight pages of photos, this book is a wonderful detective story, and the first examination the convincingly fingers the perpetrator.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1676973 in Books
• Published on: 1996-08-27
• Released on: 1996-08-27
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 279 pages

From Publishers Weekly
The Piltdown hoax seriously retarded the progress of paleontology, misleading scientists who believed that the fossil skull found in a gravel pit in England in 1912-1913 was the remains of a prehominid up to a million years old. In 1952, the "fossil" was exposed as a clever fraud, assembled from the remains of a medieval Englishman and a Borneo orangutan. Charles Dawson, the fiercely ambitious solicitor who claimed to have unearthed the bones, has been investigators' leading suspect, and in a masterful, intriguing report that unfolds as an exciting mystery, Walsh (Poe the Detective) makes the case against Dawson even more solid, charging him with planting the bones and then targeting friends and acquaintances?among them Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and priest/paleontologist Teilhard de Chardin?in an attempt to gain scientific credibility for his alleged find. Walsh strengthens his case by documenting Dawson's prior history of plagiarism and fabrication of fraudulent objects. Photos.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
In 1913, amateur archaeologist Charles Dawson discovered a human cranium alongside an apelike jaw. Declared the possible missing link between human and ape, the Piltdown fossils essentially impeded the infant science of paleontology for 40 years?because they were the only exception to the rule that showed physical changes preceded enlargement of the brain?until they were proven a hoax in 1952. Through the use of numerous original documents and all other research on Piltdown, Edgar Award winner Walsh (The Shadow Rise, LJ 9/1/93) creates a powerful and convincing exposition of how the deception was accomplished. The 11 most likely suspects are examined in terms of opportunity and motive, and four suspects are considered in depth: Conan Doyle, Teilhard de Chardin, Arthur Keith, and Charles Dawson. Walsh believes the importance of solving the Piltdown forgery at this late date is twofold: to show the influence of a prevailing paradigm on thinking and discovery and to protect innocent suspects, which can be done only by proving the identity of the real forger. Easily the definitive work on this topic and, one would hope, the final word on the identity of the perpetrator, this book is riveting and compelling. Highly recommended for all collections.?Gloria Maxwell, Kansas City P.L., Mo.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Proclaimed a stunning anthropological discovery when unearthed in 1912 in a Sussex gravel pit, the humanoid skull dubbed Piltdown Man occupied an important position in evolutionary theory until finally exposed as a hoax in 1953. But the perpetrator of the hoax has remained a matter of conjecture--until now. A historical sleuth of considerable talent, Walsh traces scientific and biographical evidence to the culprit. He also clears the reputations of several prominent figures--including Arthur Conan Doyle and Teilhard de Chardin--falsely accused of involvement in the hoax. But Walsh's investigative task requires him to do more than identify the man guilty of the fraud. He must also lay bare the carelessness, naivete, and misplaced zeal of scientists who could (and should) have detected the deception. As gripping as a mystery novel, this tale of deceit and credulity will enthrall any reader willing to suspend faith in modern science as a coolly rational enterprise. Bryce Christensen

Customer Reviews

Engrossing, and extremely well written
A fascinating study of the Piltdown tragedy. I approached the book because I wanted to confirm the innocence of Teilhard de Chardin as regards the whole affair, and indeed Walsh clears Teilhard completely to my satisfaction. But I found myself swept up by Walsh's account of this world famous hoax, and the people who were the first victims of it. It would make a terrific film. I recommend the book as a great read, and to anyone curious about any level of the famous incident. This is a place where the criminologist, the anthropologist and the historian -- and the psychologist -- come together. Simply superb.

A wolf in sheep's clothing
In his Prologue, Walsh forcibly states: "The Piltdown fraud was nothing short of despicable, an ugly trick played by a warped and unscrupulous mind on unsuspecting scholars." He spends the remainder of the book sifting through evidence, eliminating suspects and finally exposing the forger and the web of deceit he wove. It is not surprising that among scientists (who must trust one another's honesty in order to advance the standing of knowledge), someone skilled at deception would pose a serious risk to the scientific method? And sure enough, the guilty party did not start with Piltdown, but had a long strng of fraudulent discoveries and plagarisms. Is it further any surprise that the guilty party was a lawyer?

I recommend this book highly to anyone who is interested in science or historical crime.

Unputdownable
This book is a treat. The sheer common sense and respect for the truth blaze through it. I was impressed by the depth of research and the quality of the analysis. I can't recommend it too highly. I have read other books on this subject but have found their arguments unconvincing. Very highly recommended.