THE LUCY MAN

Donald C. Johanson is not a household name, but this flattering biography makes a convincing case that the paleoanthropologist's discoveries are as influential and significant as Charles Darwin's work. Working in Ethiopia in 1974 at the beginning of his career, Johanson discovered a 3.2 million–year-old skeleton he christened Lucy, which, until the 1990s, was the oldest and best preserved skeleton of an upright human ancestor ever found. Along with the fame that Lucy's discovery brought came much controversy; many scientists initially resisted the change Johanson's discovery brought to the human family tree. Saucier notes that "[g]reat controversy often erupts in paleoanthropology when a new species is found," and disagreements can end friendships, as it did with Johanson and Mary and Richard Leakey. In addition to fascinating insights about the internal politics among scientists, the author also offers readers an intimate procedural look at a scientist's methods and process of working in the field and the laboratory. The text, abundantly illustrated with photographs, maps and charts, is well-organized and engaging, but the discussions of scientific discoveries and theories would have been better served by the inclusion of a glossary. Saucier ably captures Johanson's love for his work and passion for sharing it with others. (bibliography, index) (Biography. 12 & up)