‘This is a wonderful book, evoking a time when science required remarkable people to conduct it.’ Observer
‘It is indeed an astonishing tale – one that really ought to have Hollywood directors beating a path to Cadbury’s door.’ The Times
‘A compelling book … with characters so vivid that the people in the BBC drama department must at this very moment be falling over each other to make the requisite sideburns and bonnets … A skilled storyteller, Cadbury exploits her characters’ differences to the full … never before have [their] strands of personal animosity, ambition and fortitude been brought together in so dextrous a fashion.’ Simon Garfield, Financial Times
‘Cadbury has taken a good deal of trouble to go back to original letters and diaries. Her scene setting is especially impressive. The picture of power, snobbery and class among the professions in early 19th century England is vividly told.’ New Scientist
‘Deborah Cadbury writes the best kind of popular scientific history … As long as there are books as good as these, then the current craze for popular science looks set to last for a good while yet.’ Kathryn Hughes, The Tablet
‘Cadbury has uncovered a story of intrigue, genius and desperation … explored in riveting detail.’ Daily Express
‘Cadbury’s book is extremely well researched and reads like a novel with colourful and eccentric characters … This excellent book should satisfy the historian as well as the ardent dinosaurophile.’ Focus