Francis Rolt-Wheeler
The monster-hunters
"The Monster-Hunters" by Francis Rolt-Wheeler is a novel that was likely written in the early 20th century. Set in a time when the fascination with prehistoric creatures and the field of paleontology was emerging, the story seems to revolve around a young boy named Perry Hunt, who is eager to learn about fossils and embark on adventures exploring the world of ancient monsters. The opening of the book introduces Perry and his playful desire to find real dragons, which leads to a heartwarming conversation with his father about fossil hunting. Perry expresses a long-standing interest in paleontology and is overjoyed at the possibility of joining an expedition led by his Uncle George to Egypt in search of the ancestors of elephants. Throughout this portion, themes of imagination, adventure, and the pursuit of knowledge unfold, as Perry navigates his aspirations and familial relationships while dreaming of discovering long-lost creatures.