"Cave Hunting" by William Boyd Dawkins is a pioneering work that delves into the prehistoric world through the lens of caves. Dawkins, a respected geologist and archaeologist, presents a meticulously researched exploration of the evidence found in European caves, shedding light on the early inhabitants of the continent. His in-depth analysis of fossils, artifacts, and geological formations provides valuable insights into the lives and cultures of ancient peoples. This book is a testament to Dawkins' dedication to the field and remains a significant contribution to our understanding of human history and paleontology.

William Boyd Dawkins was a controversial Victorian geologist, palaeontologist and archaeologist who has divided opinion as either a hero or villain. For some, he was a pioneer of Darwinian science as a member of the Lubbock-Evans network, while for others he was little more than a reckless vandal who destroyed irreplaceable evidence and left precious little for future generations to assess. In this volume, Professor Mark White provides an unbiased archaeological and geological account of Boyd Dawkins’ career and legacy by drawing on almost twenty years of research as well as his archive of published and unpublished work which places him at the centre of Victorian Darwinian science and society. White examines his work in both the field and study to provide a critical yet balanced account of his achievements and standing in relation to the field today as well as among his peers. At the heart of this book is a detailed study of the circumstances surrounding the Victorian excavations at Creswell Crags, where two celebrated finds became a cause celebre

Sommario Foreword, Mario Liverani Commentary, Andrew B. Smith A preface by the Editor Savino di Lernia Acknowledgements, Savino di Lernia Why Uan Afuda? The ‘pre-pastoral’ archaeology of the Acacus and surroundings, Savino di Lernia The 1993 and 1994 excavations. Geomorphology, stratigraphic context and dates, Mauro Cremaschi and Savino di Lernia A micromorphological approach to the site formation processes, Mauro Cremaschi and Luca Trombino Rock art paintings of the ‘Round Heads’ phase, Savino di Lernia A particular form of human activity: rock markings, cupules and kettles, Savino di Lernia The cultural sequence, Savino di Lernia Archaeobotanical analysis of charcoal, wood and seeds, Lanfredo Castelletti, Elisabetta Castiglioni, Michela Cottini and Mauro Rottoli Palynological analysis of the Early Holocene sequence, Anna Maria Mercuri Preliminary study of plant impressions in pottery, Anwar A. Magid Spinning and plaiting, Alfio Maspero Human remains – deciduous and permanent teeth, Giorgio Manzi and Pietro Passarello Delayed use of resources: significance of Early Holocene Barbary sheep dung, Savino di Lernia Assembling the evidence: cultural trajectories at Uan Afuda Cave, Savino di Lernia Bibliography Colour plates Arabic Summary, Ebrahim Saleh Azzebi

Shortlisted for the Tratman Award 2015 To enter caves is to venture beyond the realm of the everyday. From huge vaulted caverns to impassable, water-filled passages; from the karst topography of Guilin in China to the lava tubes of Hawaii; from tiny remote pilgrimage sites to massive tourism enterprises, caves are places of mystery. Dark spaces that remain largely unexplored, caves are astonishing wonders of nature and habitats for exotic flora and fauna. This book investigates the natural and cultural history of caves and considers the roles caves have played in the human imagination and experience of the natural world. It explores the long history of the human fascination with caves, across countries and continents, examining their dual role as spaces of both wonder and fear. It tells the tales of the adventurers who pioneered the science of caves and those of the explorers and cave-divers still searching for new, unmapped routes deep into the earth. This book explores the lure of the subterranean world by examining caving and cave tourism and by looking to the mythology, literature, and art of caves. This lavishly illustrated book will appeal to general readers and experts alike interested in the ecology and use of caves, or the extraordinary artistic responses earth’s dark recesses have evoked over the centuries.

“Well, hi, hillbilly.” Kurt’s grin shone as big and bright as the sun-gold letter L on his velour turtleneck. It was his same arrogant, sneering grin as always, except for the slight tint of embarrassment from having fallen. Matt nodded warily and said nothing. He didn’t trust his voice. His throat felt tight, and his chest ached with anxious pressure as he watched the big four-letter athlete casually slapping dust out of his Levis. He tailed me, Matt thought. He was hiding up there, watching. He saw me throw the rock, saw the crow fly up, heard me whoop and holler. When I started to move, he started to follow. And if he hadn’t slipped and fallen and been forced to show himself, I’d have led him right to the cave drop. Now how much does he know or suspect? Does he know enough about cave hunting to see the significance of that crow’s flight? Kurt rolled his thick shoulders as he grinned. “Seem a little on the surprised side to see your old schoolmate, hillbilly.” “It’s a crazy world all right. You never know.” Kurt kept grinning, but his voice had no humor in it. It was deadly serious, even sinister. “I know you’re not claiming any cave in this country. I know that.” “I’m going to find that cave all right,” Matt said. “Maybe. But you won’t ever claim it.”