Dian Fossey

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Reviewed with Cath Senker's Rosalind Franklin.Gr. 5-8. These volumes in the Scientists Who Made History series introduce two significant women in twentieth-century science. Each book recognizes the scientific achievements of its subject and endeavors to broaden readers' understanding of the political and social context of the subjects' lives and work. Fossey profiles a woman who left a career in occupational therapy to become the world's foremost observer of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. When poachers threatened the animals, Fossey became increasingly militant in protecting the gorillas. Her stance, which angered many locals and Rwandan leaders, may have provided the motive for her 1985 murder. Even readers who are not interested in the political aspects of Fossey's life will find themselves gripped by the story of her work. In Franklin, Senker reports how Franklin's x-ray crystallography photo of DNA was shown without her knowledge to James Watson and Francis Crick, which enabled them to solve the puzzle of the structure of the molecule. Franklin, who died in 1958, was not credited for many years for her contribution to this discovery. Though Senker portrays Franklin clearly in the context of her times, when female scholars and scientists encountered much resistance, she emerges as a positive person who enjoyed a challenging and rewarding career. Each book includes many well-chosen photographs and ends with a time line, a glossary, and lists of recommended books and Web sites. Franklin has the distinction of being the only children's book currently available on this intriguing scientist, but both books are valuable additions to the science and biography shelves. Carolyn Phelan
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Gr 5-8-Profiles of two scientists who persevered in spite of many obstacles. Fossey, well known for her research on and devotion to the gorillas of Rwanda, is also depicted in the context of the challenges facing her work. Gogerly recounts how the scientist not only studied these animals, but also how she fought off poachers and raised funds for their protection until her brutal murder in 1985. The British-born Franklin focused her research on X-ray crystallography and the structure of DNA. Her studies were used by James Watson and Francis Crick, though never credited, as the men discovered DNA's famous double-helix shape. The book intersperses information about Franklin's personal life with her struggles to advance professionally. Both books have ample full-color and black-and-white photos, reproductions, and maps to supplement the accessible texts. Good choices for collections needing biographical material on women in science.-Carol Fazioli, formerly at The Brearley School, New York City Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.


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