‘This book expresses perfectly the excitement of discovering ancestral lineages in our genus. It is a colourful, personal account of research into one of the most basic interests of our species — our origins and our close extinct relatives.’
Dr. Robert DeSalle, principal investigator, Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics
‘Madelaine Bohme is an iconoclast, and her fossil discoveries have challenged long-standing ideas on the origins of the ancestors of apes and humans. She lays it all out in this readable and thought-provoking book, which goes to show that new fossil clues always have the potential to generate new ideas.’
Steve Brusatte, University of Edinburgh paleontologist and New York Times bestselling author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs
‘An enthralling journey through time and around the world to untangle the complexities of ape and human evolution. Prof. Boehme skilfully intertwines scientific description with the history of fossil discovery and investigation to explain the evolution and biology of our closest relatives. Sometimes controversial but always exciting and engaging, this book is essential reading for those who want to explore alternative perspectives on our origins.’
Sarah Elton, professor of evolutionary anthropology, Durham University
‘Part Sherlock Holmes, part Indiana Jones, Ancient Bones is an entertaining and provocative retelling of the human evolutionary story. Böhme's hypotheses — written with enthusiasm and clarity — will be scientifically scrutinised for decades to come.’
Jeremy DeSilva, associate professor of anthropology, Dartmouth College
‘A fascinating forensic inquiry into the origins of humankind. In this exciting investigation into the long and ancient path of humans, the authors explore the connections among evolution, climate, and environment … [A]ny reader interested in the study of early humans and their predecessors will find plenty of material here … An impressive introduction to the burgeoning ecalibration of paleoanthropology.’ STARRED REVIEW
Kirkus Reviews
‘An inherently fascinating, impressively informative, and exceptionally thought-provoking read … Ancient Bones is expertly written, organised and presented, making it a critically important and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library.’
Midwestern Book Review
‘The readability of this book sets it apart from many books dealing with archeology … A profound book with lavish graphical support and colour photographs.’
Christopher Bantick, The Weekly Times
‘Full of fascinating detail and written in a very accessible and free flowing style, this an engaging piece of scientific writing that deserves broad readership. Highly recommended.’
Jeff Popple, Canberra Weekly
‘Böhme’s gift is her ability to point science in the direction of the common need to better understand our human condition – its origins and its challenges – told as a mystery story of fossilised clues and professorial sleuths.’
Luke Slattery, Australian Financial Review
‘Böhme fits complex pieces, from climate change to tool use, into a coherent picture. She makes it clear that the science is not settled, but the story, so far, is fascinating.’ FOUR STARS
Robyn Douglas, SA Weekend
‘[A]ncient mysteries, serendipitous discoveries, feuding experts, and scientific breakthroughs, all unfolding like a richly detailed detective story … interspersed with longer, technical excerpts concerning geology, great-ape evolution, climate change, fossil dating, prehistoric species, and paleoanthropology, the science of ancient humans … This engaging account raises several lingering questions, often the best kinds for inquisitive readers.’ STARRED REVIEW
Kathleen McBroom, Booklist
‘Bohme and her colleagues are wonderful storytellers. They present a complex tale that features a daunting number of moving parts with all the local colour, humour and narrative pace of a well-written mystery novel.’
Vancouver Sun
[F]irmly challenges the established narrative in an intriguing book that is as outspoken as it is readable … Böhme draws on a growing body of convincing evidence and arguments to make her case … [A] top-notch example of an engaging book accessible to a broad audience.
The Inquisitive Biologist
‘Ancient Bones is fascinating and a clearly written account of human evolution.’
Grant Hansen, Good Reading
