The Mammoth Hunters (Earth's Children Book Three)

Crown Publishers, 1985. First Edition. Hardcover. Fine. 645 pages. The third volume in the Earth's Children series, set in the world of pre-historic humans. First edition (first printing). A fine copy in a fine dust jacket. Inscribed to the late evolulationary biologist Stephen Jay Gould, 'Steven J. Gould, All my best, Jean M. Auel.' An interesting association copy. About the time Auel published the first book in the Earth's Children series, Clan of the Cave Bear, Gould had written the introduction to another novel set among the Neanderthals, Dance of the Tiger by Bjorn Kurten. [JSP01].

Once again, Jean M. Auel opens the door of time to reveal an age of wonder and terror at the dawn of humanity. With all the consummate storytelling artistry and vivid authenticity she brought to "The Clan Of The Cave Bear" and its sequel, "The Valley Of Horses," Jean M. Auel continues the breathtaking epic journey of the woman called Ayla. Now, with her devoted Jondalar, Ayla boldly sets forth into the land of the Mamutoi--the Mammoth Hunters, the Others she has been seeking. Though Ayla must learn their strange customs and language, it is because of her uncanny hunting and healing skills that she is adopted into the Mammoth Hearth. Here Ayla finds her first women friends, and painful memories of the Clan she left behind. Here, too, is Ranec, the dark-skinned, magnetic master carver of ivory tusks to whom Ayla is irresistibly drawn--setting Jondalar on fire with jealousy. Throughout the icy winter, Ayla is torn between her two men. But soon will come the great spring mammoth hunt, when Ayla must choose her mate and her destiny -- to remain in the Hearth with Ranec, or to follow Jondalar into a far-off place and an unknown future.