About the Author

Ilja Nieuwland is a historian of science–in particular paleontology–attached to the Huygens Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences in Amsterdam.

Reviews

"American Dinosaur Abroad is brisk, fascinating, and enormously informed. The topic demands a scholar of Ilja Nieuwland’s skills: he knows the languages; he understands the interplay of science, culture, politics, and the press; and he understands how, in human relations, personality is always the wild card. A must read for lovers of history and ancient bones. — Tom Rea

"Diplodocus is a Jurassic icon, one of the largest and most impressive dinosaurs ever uncovered. But it is not just that. In this detailed, thoughtful exploration, Ilja Nieuwland follows the changing cultural significance of this famous dinosaur in its role as ambassador, celebrity, and scientific catalyst, revealing how a single, spectacular skeleton can spur broader changes in the process of science and appreciation for nature. Read this book and you'll never look at old bones the same way again."— Brian Switek

"The story of Diplodocus is supposed to be familiar. But as revealed here by paleontological historian Ilja Nieuwland, the true story is more complex, nuanced, and interesting. His book is a crucial contribution to the sparse literature on historical paleontology and includes a vast amount of detail not previously covered elsewhere."— Darren Naish

Ilja Nieuwland has written a thoroughly researched and engaging account of the history of Diplodocus carnegii. American Dinosaur Abroad offers fascinating insight into the workings of international and national science in the early twentieth century and the growth of the iconic popularity of dinosaurs. A landmark work in the history of paleontology.
-Chris Manias

"This book slots in beautifully with several recent books on the history of American palaeontology around the turn of the 19th century. [...] American Dinosaur Abroad offers a fascinating and well-researched look into palaeontology at the turn of the 19th century, and how interest in dinosaurs reverberated, and was used, outside of scientific circles. If you have any interest in the history of palaeontology as a discipline this book shines a light on a little-known episode." — NHBS (Natural History Book Service)