Ghosts & Dragons

My father wrote this book, but unfortunately was never able to publish it. This narrative recounts the dramatic discovery, loss, and enduring mystery surrounding Peking Man, an early human ancestor unearthed in China in the early 20th century. Initially mistaken by local peasants as "Dragon Bones" and sold to apothecaries, these fossilized remains-found in the dusty plains of northern China-proved to be a vital link in human evolution. Peking Man stood upright, used fire and tools, and had a significant cranial capacity.

His discovery came at a time when China was reeling from foreign invasions, civil unrest, and national humiliation. In this context, Peking Man quickly became a symbol of Chinese pride and ancient heritage. But just fifteen years after his discovery at Zhoukoudian near Beijing, the fossils vanished during World War II, reportedly while being transported by U.S. Marines for safekeeping.

Despite numerous investigations involving scientists, soldiers, spies, and even global intelligence agencies, the fossils have never been recovered. Theories abound-lost at sea, buried in China, smuggled abroad-but no definitive answers have emerged. The story of Peking Man remains one of science's great mysteries and a poignant reflection of a nation's struggle for identity amid chaos.