Othniel Charles Marsh Signed Book. The Dinosaurs of North America. ...

Description

Othniel Charles Marsh Signed Book
The Dinosaurs of North America

Othniel Charles ("O.C.") Marsh was a bona fide giant of Vertebrate Paleontology, especially Dinosaurs. His rivalry with fellow legendary scientist Edward Drinker Cope known as the "Bone Wars" which took place during the late 1800s and was also known as the Great Dinosaur Rush, was a seminal event related to the history of American Paleontology and coincided with the Gilded Age of United States history. Both famous figures were noted authors, and this offering represents the definitive work by O.C. Marsh on Dinosaurs. The Dinosaurs of North America, printed in 1896, is considered the masterwork of the Yale University legend. The large hardcover book has the original brown buckram binding with gilt titling to the spine. This volume is certainly worn in terms of its condition, but the key aspect of the important book has to do with the inscription. Signed by O.C. Marsh later in life on August 30, 1898, this was not only an autographed copy but also inscribed to a fellow younger scientist, one W.P. Pycraft, an English osteologist and zoologist, who was involved with the Piltdown Man that became a world-famous hoax. The large book evidences considerable staining and wear to the cover and pages, but it represents one incredible piece of paleontological history, given the signature, inscription, and age of the major volume.
Measurements: 11.50 x 8.00 x 1.50 inches (29.21 x 20.32 x 3.81 cm)

Government Printing Office: Washington, 1896, inscribed by Othniel Charles Marsh on flyleaf. [U.S. Geological Survey, 16th Annual Report, Part I, p. 133-414, with 84 plates and 66 text figures]. Signed Copy; Hard Cover.



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