Through fossil clubs and field trips to quarries, Prokopi got to know older hunters who spent their lives beachcombing or standing chest deep in muck, searching for bone.

NEWYORKER: Bones of Contention

He acted with his creased brow, his jagged bone structure, and his narrowed eyes, as well as with the muscles in his chest, shoulders, and neck.

NEWYORKER: Mr. Majestyk