A remarkable behind-the-scenes look at the extraordinary people, meticulous research, and driving passions that make Londons Natural History Museum one of the worlds greatest institutions.In an elegant and illuminating narrative, Richard Fortey takes his readers to a place where only a few privileged scientists, curators, and research specialists have beenthe hallowed halls that hold the permanent collection of the Natural History Museum. Replete with fossils, jewels, rare plants, and exotic species, Forteys walk through offers an intimate view of many of the premiere scientific accomplishments of the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first centuries. Like looking into the mind of mankind and all the fascinating discoveries, ideas, and accomplishments that reside there, Forteys tour is utterly entertaining from first to last.From the Trade Paperback edition.