The Seashell On The Mountaintop: A Story of Science, Sainthood, and the Humble Genius who Discovered a New History of the Earth

How did a 17th-century Italian priest revolutionise our understanding of Earth's age just by looking at fossilised seashells? Alan Cutler's biography of Nicolaus Steno is a gorgeous blend of Renaissance intrigue, scientific awakening, and religious devotion. It's the story of a humble anatomist who dared to read the rocks like pages in a book—and changed geology forever. Perfect for anyone who loves history of science, forgotten pioneers, or tales of intellectual courage that quietly reshaped the world.