Coming soon: 'Digging Snowmastodon' book

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Aspen-based People’s Press are publishing a first-person account of the historic Ice Age fossil find near Snowmass Village. Digging Snowmastodon: Discovering an Ice Age World in the Colorado Rockies describes the events surrounding the amazing discovery, the excitement and emotion of the dig itself, and the colorful cast of characters who each played important roles as the story unfolded.

“This incredible discovery captured everyone’s attention,” said Dr. Kirk Johnson, leader of the Snowmastodon Project™ excavation team and vice president of the Research and Collections Division at the Museum. “It played out in the headlines of local, national, and international media, including the New York Times and National Geographic. This is our opportunity to share the inside scoop and describe what it was really like to be there and experience it in person. Anyone who is interested in discovery, natural history, or paleontology will relish this true story.”

Infused with humor and offering the unique perspectives of Johnson and Dr. Ian Miller, a Museum scientist and co-leader of the dig, this compelling narrative clearly illustrates the science of the fossil find. The 10X8 paperback, written for a general audience and available on March 15, 2012, is 144 pages long and includes more than 100 color photos, five historic black and white photos, and more than 15 color illustrations, line drawings, and maps. The book will be available for purchase at the Museum for $19.95 and distributed both locally and nationally. To learn more about Digging Snowmastodon and purchase advance copies, visit www.diggingsnowmastodon.com.

The book's cover.