Two Acres of Time: Unearthing the Ice Age at the Byron Dig

by Richard S Laub

In 1959, what appeared to be the bones of a mastodon were found in a western New York pasture. When researchers began to investigate further in the early 1980s, the site proved to hold far more. Known as the Hiscock Site, it contained an astonishingly rich trove of fossils and artifacts dating from the late Ice Age through the onset of European settlement. For nearly three decades, work at the site—the “Byron Dig”—unearthed new evidence of changing fauna, flora, cultures, and environments over the past 13,000 years.

In Two Acres of Time, Richard S. Laub—the principal investigator of the project—tells the story of the Byron Dig. Recounting twenty-nine years of intensive excavation involving more than a thousand participants, he provides a comprehensive account of a working paleontological and archaeological field project and its contributions to our knowledge of the past. Laub explores how understanding of the site evolved through the years, the surprises that came to light along the way, and how contributions from numerous researchers helped achieve a fuller picture of the significance of the findings. The book also shows how people from all walks of life—not only scientists but also volunteers and local small-town residents—worked together to unearth and interpret the site’s contents and to preserve them for future generations. This extensively illustrated book connects life at a scientific excavation project to the grand sweep of long-ago epochs, and is a compelling read and resource for researchers and general readers alike.

Genres: Science

545 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2022

Reviews

[Raynee · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Two Acres of Time" by Richard S. Laub is a captivating exploration of the Byron Dig, shedding light on the remarkable discoveries made at the Hiscock Site over nearly three decades. As a reader, I found myself engrossed in the unfolding narrative of this archaeological and paleontological project. Laub's meticulous attention to detail and dedication to documenting the excavation process make this book an intriguing read.

The book skillfully weaves together the stories of the researchers, volunteers, and local residents involved in the project, showcasing the collaborative nature of scientific exploration. I particularly appreciated how Laub emphasized the contributions of individuals from various backgrounds, highlighting their collective efforts in unearthing and interpreting the site's rich contents.

Laub's expertise as a geology curator shines through in his ability to convey complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner. The book strikes a balance between presenting the technical aspects of the excavation and engaging the reader with the broader implications of the findings. The inclusion of numerous illustrations further enhances the reading experience, allowing readers to visualize the artifacts and fossils that played a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of the past.

While I thoroughly enjoyed "Two Acres of Time," I must admit that I didn't find myself completely enamored by it. While the subject matter was fascinating, there were moments when the pace felt slow, and I wished for a stronger narrative thread to carry me through the entirety of the book. However, this does not overshadow the wealth of knowledge and insights I gained from reading it.

Richard S. Laub's passion for his subject matter is evident throughout the book, and his expertise as a curator and director of the Hiscock Site project is commendable. Despite my slight reservations, I am eager to explore more of his work. His ability to bring together scientific research, personal stories, and the grandeur of the past is a testament to his skill as an author and researcher.

In conclusion, "Two Acres of Time" is an interesting and informative book that delves into the intriguing world of the Byron Dig. Richard S. Laub's dedication to preserving and sharing the discoveries made at the Hiscock Site is evident, and his storytelling offers a glimpse into the wonders of our ancient past. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in archaeology, paleontology, or the collaborative nature of scientific exploration. I eagerly look forward to reading more from this talented author in the future.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if I love reading books about paleontology I found this one a bit too technical and I was a bit lost at time.
The author loves the paleontology and there's a lot of passion in what he tells even if some less technical details would have helped.
The formatting was an issue as I had to guess what was written at times
I think it's a well researched book and can be loved by people who are interested in the Ice Age.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plowed through it for some fascinating details & understanding what a dig entails.