Garniss H. Curtis (1919–2012)
Author of Java Man: How Two Geologists’ Dramatic Discoveries Changed Our Understanding of the Evolutionary Path to Modern Humans
Works by Garniss H. Curtis
Associated Works
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Birthdate
- 1919
- Date of death
- 2012
- Gender
- male
- Nationality
- USA
- Occupations
- geologist
professor
geochronologist - Organizations
- University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley Geochronology Group
Members
Reviews
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Associated Authors
Statistics
- Works
- 1
- Also by
- 2
- Members
- 96
- Popularity
- #196,089
- Rating
- 3.8
- Reviews
- 4
- ISBNs
- 4
The book itself take an interesting look at the science of Evolution and Anthropology. The history is quite interesting, for example, for a large period of time, scientists thought Java, Indonesia was the birthplace of modern man (although Darwin, the grandfather of evolution, thought it would be Africa). Early pioneers in the field were still lone scientists, whose opinions (for better, or worst) could sway entire opinions, those people who dissented often ostracized or laughed at.
A number of chapters were dedicated to the disagreement of two research groups, sharing facilities and staff - this was a bit long, and didn't add much to the book. I found it tedious, and too much he said, she said.
As for the last few chapters, hinting at human ancestry is more of a bush, with breeding between modern and primitive humans happening is now an accepted theory in the field. Denisovan Humans weren't even an idea when this book was written.… (more)