Overview

A beautifully illustrated and definitive crash course on dinosaur fossils, from the Allosaurus that use their teeth and jaws to dismember prey to the Sinosauropteryx specimen that confirmed the existence of feathered dinosaurs For natural history buffs and Jurassic Park fans Dinosaurs have captivated the world since Megalosaurus was the first one named in 1824, and A History of Dinosaurs in 50 Fossils features fifty of the most momentous dinosaur findings from the fossil record. From rare fossil embryos that provide a glimpse into the early stage of dinosaur growth and development, to the claw of a Deinonychus, the dinosaur that served as a template for Jurassic Park’s terrorizing raptors, the book illustrates the enthralling evolutionary history of animals that ruled the Earth for more than 150 million years with 75 full-color illustrations. Each stunning fossil photograph, magnified for optimal detail, includes an entry explaining the importance of the discovery and the fossil’s significance in the larger evolutionary timeline. Themed chapters build off each other to depict a full and incredible story, including content on: the origin and rise of dinosaurs an introduction to major groups  biological characteristics like feeding, behavior, distribution, and locomotion the first fossil birds, including the legendary feathered dinosaur, Archaeopteryx, considered widely to be the world’s first bird species  The book provides insight on what fossils tell us about dinosaur relationships, movement, diet, skin, teeth, and frills, and so much more. A History of Dinosaurs in 50 Fossils compiles centuries’ of the most exciting fossil findings that helped earn dinosaurs an enduring place in the public imagination. This authoritative and visually beautiful book will delight and inspire readers young and old, and help them understand the rise and fall of some of the most amazing creatures to roam Earth.

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9781588347336

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Reviews

KIRKUS REVIEWS ""Good pictures and a basic education. Barrett, a merit researcher at the Natural History Museum, London, delivers an informative account of dinosaur evolution, emphasizing the Mesozoic era (from about 250 million to 66 million years ago), when dinosaurs dominated land and air with a nod toward an earlier era when their ancestor, a small lizardlike creature scuttled through the underbrush about 320 million years ago. [...] Perhaps the most pleasure readers will experience in these books is poring over dozens of colorful artistic recreations of Mesozoic life, with crowds of dinosaurs going about their business in an authentic, if overcrowded, landscape. [...] Vivid insights for the dinosaur buff."" SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL ""An engaging and educational journey through the prehistoric world, presented through the lens of 50 carefully chosen fossils. Barrett, a renowned paleontologist, uses these specimens to illustrate the evolution, diversity, and paleobiology of dinosaurs, ­offering readers a chronological and thematic exploration of these ancient creatures. The book’s structure guides readers from the earliest ­dinosaur fossils to the latest discoveries, making it accessible to enthusiasts and scholars. Each fossil is ­detailed with high-quality illustrations and photographs, ­accompanied by insightful commentary that places each specimen in its historical context. Barrett’s writing is clear and informative, balancing scientific accuracy with an engaging narrative that brings the world of dinosaurs to life. What sets this book apart is its ability to distill complex ­paleontological concepts into digestible and captivating ­entries. The selection of fossils showcases the breadth of dinosaur evolution, highlighting key transitional forms and major discoveries.""

KIRKUS REVIEWS ""Good pictures and a basic education. Barrett, a merit researcher at the Natural History Museum, London, delivers an informative account of dinosaur evolution, emphasizing the Mesozoic era (from about 250 million to 66 million years ago), when dinosaurs dominated land and air with a nod toward an earlier era when their ancestor, a small lizardlike creature scuttled through the underbrush about 320 million years ago. [...] Perhaps the most pleasure readers will experience in these books is poring over dozens of colorful artistic recreations of Mesozoic life, with crowds of dinosaurs going about their business in an authentic, if overcrowded, landscape. [...] Vivid insights for the dinosaur buff.""

Author Information

PAUL M. BARRETT is a merit researcher at the Natural History Museum, London, who specializes in dinosaurs, macroevolution, systematics, and taxonomy.

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