Bones - by Elaine Dewar (Paperback)

About the Book

"Bones"--the remains of ancient New World natives now lying in museums and university laboratories across the Americas--are at the center of the scientific and cultural battles described in this provocative book. Dewar explores the politics of archaeology, history, law, native spirituality, and race relations at work in this scientific battlefield.

Book Synopsis

Award-winning journalist Elaine Dewar explores new terrain with Bones, uncovering evidence that challenges the conventional wisdom on how the Americas were peopled in early history. In her probing investigation, Dewar travels from Canada's Mackenzie River to the Brazilian state of Piaui, from the offices of the Smithsonian Institution to the Washington state riverbank where the remains of Kennewick man were found. Dewar captures a tale of hard science and human folly where the high stakes include professional reputations, lucrative grants, fame, and the resting places of wandering spirits.

Review Quotes

"A revealing and informative look not only at the archaeology in question but at the convoluted, intricate, and very human difficulties in 'doing science."

About the Author

Elaine Dewar is an award-winning investigative journalist whose beats include culture, international politics, science, business, and the environment. Reviewing Bones, historian Peter C. Newman has called Dewar "the Rachel Carson of Canada," whose work "is aimed always at expanding mental horizons . . . This is a must read." Dewar lives in Toronto.