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Dragon Teeth: A Novel
Écrit par Michael Crichton
Raconté par Scott Brick et Sherri Crichton
Description
Michael Crichton, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Jurassic Park, returns to the world of paleontology in this recently discovered novel-a thrilling adventure set in the Wild West during the golden age of fossil hunting.
The year is 1876. Warring Indian tribes still populate America's western territories even as lawless gold-rush towns begin to mark the landscape. In much of the country it is still illegal to espouse evolution. Against this backdrop two monomaniacal paleontologists pillage the Wild West, hunting for dinosaur fossils, while surveilling, deceiving and sabotaging each other in a rivalry that will come to be known as the Bone Wars.
Into this treacherous territory plunges the arrogant and entitled William Johnson, a Yale student with more privilege than sense. Determined to survive a summer in the west to win a bet against his arch-rival, William has joined world-renowned paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh on his latest expedition. But when the paranoid and secretive Marsh becomes convinced that William is spying for his nemesis, Edwin Drinker Cope, he abandons him in Cheyenne, Wyoming, a locus of crime and vice. William is forced to join forces with Cope and soon stumbles upon a discovery of historic proportions. With this extraordinary treasure, however, comes exceptional danger, and William's newfound resilience will be tested in his struggle to protect his cache, which pits him against some of the West's most notorious characters.
Drawing on both meticulously researched history and an exuberant imagination, Dragon Teeth is based on the rivalry between real-life paleontologists Cope and Marsh; in William Johnson readers will find an inspiring hero only Michael Crichton could have imagined. Perfectly paced and brilliantly plotted, this enormously winning adventure is destined to become another Crichton classic.
Avis
Michael Crichton is my favourite author, so when I heard a book had been released after his death I had to read it right away. Dragon teeth was enthralling. I loved how the story took the main character on an adventure that took him from being a spoiled young man into a responsible and world wise individual.
When William Johnson accepted a bet and joined an expedition west in search of dinosaur bones, he knew he was heading to a place very different than his hometown of Philadelphia. But he wasn't expecting to be caught in the middle of the Indian Wars, or in the middle of an escalating feud between warring paleontologists.
Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton is a book of Crichton's I didn't like. I have read all of his and loved them all but this was so un-Crichton. It lacked the spark, the thrills, the adventure that kept me glued to the others. I was bored to tears and forced myself to finish it. I got this book from the library and noticed the total ratings on it was only 3 stars and wondered why, now I know.
It is over ten years since Michael Crichton passed away, and this is the third novel of his published posthumously. According to an afterword by his widow, the text of this novel was written in 1974, and presaged his famous interest in dinosaurs through the Jurassic Park franchise. This novel is set during the so called Bone Wars of the 1870s, when bitter rival archaeologists Professors Cope and Marsh competed using unscrupulous tactics to identify, disinter and preserve dinosaur bones found in then remote parts of the USA, in this case the Black Hills of Dakota, sacred to the Sioux Native Americans. The central character is a fictional student William Johnson who during the course of the story works for both professors, is attacked by numerous parties of Native Americans and Western gunslingers, while trying to preserve some of the bones from Cope's expedition, from which he was separated, believed to have been killed in an ambush. This is a decent page turner and a very quick, superficially enjoyable read, but lacked substance for me.
Last of Crichton’s books, published nigh on a decade after his passing, Dragon Teeth follows William Johnson as he travels into the American West in the late 1800s. At first he was to accompany Othniel Marsh, but the paranoid paleontologist left Johnson behind, deciding he must be a spy of Marsh’s rival. Unable to return home, Johnson ends up working for that rival, joining Edward Cope’s research team as a photographer. This is a snapshot of one of the most unusual 'wars’ of US history, the 'Bone Wars’ between two legends of paleontology- Othniel Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope.Unlike Jurassic Park, Dragon Teeth focuses on true paleontology, and actual historical events. Written with Crichton's typical flare for adventure, our protagonist journeys from the learning bastions of the East, to the Badlands, in the West. Over the course of the story, Johnson goes from a rich, spoiled schoolboy, to a calm, self-assured mature man. To even keep the gig with Marsh, he must learn the art of photography. Then he gets left behind by Marsh, and rather than reneging on a bet, he signs on with Cope’s expedition. With Cope, there is greater freedom, if more hardship, and it quickly becomes clear that, while he is many things, he's not how Marsh described him. Johnson ends up separated from Cope’s group when he and two others volunteer to go retrieve the second half of the boxed bones being brought back East and get attacked. He is presumed dead and ends up in the town of Deadwood. By the time Johnson returns home, he has quite the tale to tell. I devoured this book in about three hours. Crichton is a favourite author, and Jurassic Park is among my favourite books. I was floored when I first came across Dragon Teeth, before it's release. I thought Pirate Latitudes was the last Crichton book I'd get to read. That it was about paleontology, and true events, was icing on the cake. It may not have had the scientific or moral/ethical questions of his other books, but it did illuminate an unusual and fascinating spot of history. Highly recommended!! ***Reviewed for the Manhattan Book Review and the Seattle Book Review
Starts off slow, almost didn't finish it but got more interesting and ended really well. Glad I stuck it out.
In a Stephen King novel, the protagonist, himself a novelist, explains that it is common for authors to have several books in the vault ready for submission for those times when their muse fails them. In Creighton's case, it would be post-mortem.Dragon's Teeth is a historical novel that his widow suggests influenced Jurassic Park. Unlike the blockbuster story of an implausible scientific breakthrough regenerating dinosaurs in our time; Dragon's Teeth is a well-grounded story based on the rivalry between two famed paleontologists back in the day when the science was just getting off the ground. The most lucrative hunting grounds were in territories controlled by Indians who, prior to the story, gave Custer his comeuppance. The protagonist, a college student posing as a photographer, is an entirely fictional character, caught up as a pawn in the middle of the rivalry. It's an interesting story -- one that not only covers the ever-present danger in the wild west, but also the impact of "The Octopus" (railroads) on the frontiers and the passion the main characters had for their scientific discoveries - discoveries of which they could scarcely grasp the nature of.
Michael Crichton passed in 2008 yet releases a brand new book in 2017, how can this be? Apparently it was written i 1974 and sat unreleased in his archives and was recently unearthed, much like Pirate Latitudes (Micro was also unearthed but needed work by Richard Preston to publish). It definitely reads like the Crichton of old, compelling and immersive. I'm not one who would typically seek out a western type novel such as this however it really is more than just a western - there's plenty of adventure, odd characters, a spellbinding mixture of history and fiction. Set in 1875 it follows the journey of a William Johnson who seemingly lacks direction in life and signs up to go west on a palaeontology expedition as part of a bet. Throughout such he manages to overcome plenty of adversity and find himself coming back home a success with a new outlook on life.Would recommend for anyone who's enjoyed a Crichton book in the past or has an interest in American historical fiction novels.
This work pales in comparison to most of Crichton's earlier works but it was good to read him again. The plot was rather fanciful and a bit preposterous but fun all the same.
If I could give this more than five stars I would! This book was amazing and fast paced, I wish there was more of it to read.
FAntastic. A mix of fiction and non-fiction keep the reader glued to the book. A young man (on a bet) goes fossil hunting in the old west. We have Indians, gunmen, Wyatt Earp and traitors. All the characters are colorful and the story was well written.
Michael Crichton's Dragon Teeth: A Novel traces the fictional adventure of William Johnson, a spoiled student at Yale who, in 1876, goes west with Professor Othniel Charles Marsh to dig up dinosaur bones following a bet with a fellow student. Along the way, Marsh believes Johnson an agent of his rival, Professor Edward Drinker Cope, a fellow paleontologist. The story focuses on the then-burgeoning field of paleontology and the men who shaped it, as well as the Indian Wars and the culture of Deadwood, Dakota Territory. Crichton's well-researched novel firmly grounds his reader in the time and places he describes while the fast-pace allows for a "grand tour" of the West and plenty of character growth for his main character. While Johnson did not exist, many of the figures with whom he interacts did and, in fact, Crichton actually toned down some of their mannerisms and rivalries (especially that of Marsh and Cope) as he feared it would seem too outrageous for his readers. Crichton researched and wrote this prior to working on Jurassic Park, but, beyond an interest in paleontology, fans of the more famous novel should not look to this as a forerunner to that story. In both, Crichton's research and meticulous attention to detail allow him to insert his story into the existing science or history, but that is the only connection. With that said, Dragon Teeth is an excellent introduction to Crichton for new readers and an enjoyable read for long-time fans.
The blurb for this book really tells all there is to know about it. There were a lot of info dumps about Indians, Custer and paleontology. I thought it was just ok.
A posthumously published novel by Crichton. It tells the fictionalized story of the rivalry between real life paleontologists; Cope and Marsh and their search for dinosaurs ni the Bad Lands of the American West of 1876. It is told thru the eyes of a fictional Yale student; William Johnson, as he is pulled between the two professors. On his journey, of finding and protecting these new things called dinosaurs, he encounters savage indians, rampaging thieves, Wyatt Earp and is witness to the discovery of the first Brontosaurus (or more properly, the Apatosaurus).This is more of a wild west adventure story the the science-rich speculative story I would have expected from Crichton. But it works and it is a worthwhile read. More so when I learned in the Afterword that basic gist of the story was true.7/10S: 9/24/17 - 10/7/17 (15 Days)
This might be my new favorite Crichton book. As a wannabe child paleontologist, I learned a lot about Cope and Marsh and their battle for the bones. The way the are brought to life in this story along with some other classic figures from the American Wild West makes for a very fun read. I wish he would have written more if these historical retellings.
I haven't picked up a Crichton book in a long time and sort of forgot how enjoyable it is to read him, but this book certainly reminded me. The story, characters, events depicted in Dragon Teeth were so enjoyable I finished reading it into days; I just couldn't put it down.Crichton is probably one of my top three writers. Things I like about Crichton's writing:- His characters are enjoyable and interesting.- He writes as if he is sharing the true event, real people, or facts of science.- He successfully ends each chapter with the last sentence making you beg for more.- His writing style is easy, even when he uses scientific jargon.In Dragon's Teeth, we find an expedition in 1876 going west looking for dinosaur fossil bones in the midst of paleontologists at, at times, jealously, violent odds against each other, Indians uprising, murderers, and god-forsaken small towns.The chapter entitled, "The Second Attack," ended unexpectedly hilarious. Crichton interjects actual historical events and figure into his story that made feel I was reading a biography or historical non-fiction. Had to bop myself in the head to remind me its fiction! Sad that we will no longer be entertained by Crichton's storytelling.
Crichton wrote this decades before his death and decades before the height of his fame. Yet it wasn't published until after his death. I can see why Crichton sat on this one. It isn't up to his usual flawless standards. The narrative doesn't fit his voice and the plot doesn't fit his style. It's slow and plodding and stale. True, it tackles a a seldom discussed point in history and an fascinating period of scientific history, but it lacks Crichton's usual wonder and awe. Probably my least favorite of his works.
Another "lost book" by the late Michael Crichton as he revisits the topic of Dinosaurs again, but this time we are just dealing with their bones. It blends fact and fiction as we journey to 1876 and the Bone Wars between Othniel Charles Marsh and Edwin Drinker Cope. The story is told through the fictional Yale student William Johnson. Fans of that time period will appreciate the references and appearances of several real life people. I thought Wyatt Earp was one of the better choices to include. We also get a more nuanced look at the Indian Wars of the time. Now for the downside. It does have the feel of an early draft and is not one of his best books. Overall, I still thought it was a fun read! A good choice for fans of the Old West, Paleontology, or just those who like adventure.
A pretty "middle of the road" novel to be honest (akin to some of his other posthumous works). Fast paced with not a whole lot of nuance, subtlety, or introspection to it. Jumps from scene to scene with a final 'tagline' to end each chapter. No real threat to the character due to often remarks of "Johnson would late write in his journal : [insert writing] " or even the beginning of the novel which says, "This is a description of Johnson at the beginning, and here's a photo of him at the end, and this book is about what happened in the between time".
This is also one of those novels where it takes a ficticious character and links them to all of the fascinating events and locations and characters of a timeframe / time era (think Forrest Gump). Johnson meets Stevenson, Earp brothers, Hickok, Marsh, Cope, makes it to Deadwood, goes through the Oregon Trail forts (Brenton, Laramie, Cheyenne, etc).
Its a fun page-turner, but honestly not much more to it than that (was hoping for a bit more, especially since this may/may not be the last of his works we get, and was hoping for some connection to his later dinosaur works {Jurassic Park / The Lost World}, but alas, it was not to be).
This is also one of those novels where it takes a ficticious character and links them to all of the fascinating events and locations and characters of a timeframe / time era (think Forrest Gump). Johnson meets Stevenson, Earp brothers, Hickok, Marsh, Cope, makes it to Deadwood, goes through the Oregon Trail forts (Brenton, Laramie, Cheyenne, etc).
Its a fun page-turner, but honestly not much more to it than that (was hoping for a bit more, especially since this may/may not be the last of his works we get, and was hoping for some connection to his later dinosaur works {Jurassic Park / The Lost World}, but alas, it was not to be).
Loved it! This was Michael Crichton meets Indiana Jones! This was the story of a young man who takes abet and winds up in the wild west with an early archaeological dig. Needless to say, this is action packed with adventure. It was a quick fun read. Crichton has always been one of my favorite authors; I hope works continue to be found for a long time to come.
What a gift to have another Michael Crichton book as he is one of my favorite author's. With his passing there has been a hole in the entertainment science niche that I don't think any other author has filled. He brought science to the masses. Crichton was one of a kind and yet another bright light taken out too soon by cancer. When you hear the book is about dinosaurs your mind can't help but go to Jurassic Park. The dinosaurs in this novel aren't walking around however, they are confined to the fossils they left behind. It is the 1870's and young William Johnson finds himself in an adventure in the wild west that he is ill prepared for with two competing paleontologist, Edward Cope and Othneil Marsh. Hostile Native Americans, gunslingers, and grifters all cross paths with Johnson as he desperately tries to protect 10 boxes full of dinosaur fossils. William Johnson is a made up character but Cope and Marsh were real as were other characters in the book like Wyatt Earp. My favorite part of the book were the scenes that took place in Deadwood. This is just a really fun western and learned a lot about the real life bone wars with which I was previously unfamiliar. I am so glad Michael Crichton's widow found this manuscript. If there are anymore please keep them coming Sherri!.
This was a quick and exciting read. It had all the adventure, history, and science background anyone could want and expect from a Crichton story. Reading it took me back to all the vacations I have taken out west, and I could visualize the badlands, Black Hills, Deadwood, and the Rockies and relate to Johnson's experience when he saw the great panoramas and the wildlife in his travels.
Fun and interesting read! Really enjoyed the post scripts as well.
There was truly something exciting about this book. loved it!
The story moves like a 10-mike roller coaster. The characters are outrageous; the 2 most outrageous ones are well-known in the history of paleontology to have been at least as colorful as Crichton portrays them. Altogether a gripping read.
Great story. I enjoyed it from being to end, the story keeps you hooked.
Dragon Teeth is a typical Crichton story. The pacing is fast in this historical fiction/thriller, and there are several excellent twists to keep the reader engaged. The story is about Johnson, a young Yale student, who on a dare travels west with a professor during the summer break to dig for dinosaur bones. Despite warnings about not going into Sioux territory the professor does just that believing the best bones are to be found there. Johnson should have taken heed and turned around. With the bet on his mind he proceeds on and is not deterred even when the professor, thinking he is a spy for a rival, leaves him stranded at the train station. Ultimately he gets a lot more than he bargained for and will be lucky to return east with his scalp still attached to his head. The only thing I wished for was more character development. Other than that, it is a great comin-of-age story sure to please any Crichton fan.
I really enjoyed the historical fiction aspect of this.
This was very short, which was disappointing. Interesting, quick read.
As a Crichton book, this tale was very good, but I think lacking a little probably due to being a 'lost' manuscript found after his death. It feels to me like it was missing some of the polish of his other titles, probably due to this fact. However, despite that I very much enjoyed the story of William "Foggy" Johnson and his rise from timid and pampered eastern Yale College man (boy?), to the rough and hardened man at the end of the story. As usual, Crichton paints a vivid story and creates a wonderful setting with some great characters. He is forced (by history) to take some major liberties with the other characters - especially Cope and Marsh - and these can (mostly) be forgiven in the interest of artistic license and weaving a good story. Sometimes though it felt as if characters from history were tossed into the story merely as window dressing, and not for any benefit of the story itself. But, in terms of character development, and following along on Johnson's adventure out West among the great men of paleontology of the day, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. If you enjoyed previous Crichton books, you will enjoy Dragon Teeth.