A Review of Prehistoric Times Magazine (Spring 2017)

Issue 121 (Spring 2017), of the quarterly magazine “Prehistoric Times” has just arrived and this edition of the popular journal for dinosaur fans and prehistoric animal model enthusiasts has a distinctly “English” feel to it.  Yes, we know the front cover features the amazing artwork of the highly influential Zdeněk Burian, an artist and palaeo illustrator from Czechoslovakia.  This issue contains details of Burian’s commissioned artwork used to help illustrate fiction, one of a series of articles all about the great man written by John Lavas.

However, also included is a feature on London-born, Alice Bolingbroke Woodward, who like Burian, was a pioneer of prehistoric animal illustration, plus look out for Phil Hore’s informative piece on a very enigmatic English theropod Metriacanthosaurus and the John Sibbick Reader Art.

The Front Cover of Prehistoric Times Issue 121

The front cover of prehistoric times magazine (Spring 2017).

Picture credit: Prehistoric Times

The front cover of “Prehistoric Times” features artwork by Zdeněk Burian.

To learn more about “Prehistoric Times” and to subscribe visit the website: Prehistoric Times Magazine.

Pliosaurs and the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

The “English theme” continues with our chum Anthony Beeson’s contribution, a short article highlighting the extensive marine reptile collection associated with the Bristol City Museum.  Anthony discusses the historical significance of the specimens, many of which were originally collected by Mary Anning. He then brings us right up to date with details about a forthcoming marine reptile exhibition that runs from June 17th until early January 2018.

A Life-size Replica of a Pliosaur at the Museum

The life-size replica of the pliosaur (P. carpenteri) suspended from the ceiling at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Pliosaurus carpenteri was formally named and described in 203 (Benson et al). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Phil Hore’s second contribution in the magazine, is an article on the bizarre therapsid Estemmenosuchus, fossils of which come from the Urals, however, Phil’s article begins with comments made by the 19th century English biologist Thomas Henry Huxley.  It turns out that “Darwin’s Bulldog” got these cow-sized beasties completely wrong.  Look out for some fantastic reader artwork that accompanies this article.

For models and replicas of marine reptiles: CollectA Scale Prehistoric Animal Models.

The Sound of the Mesozoic in Prehistoric Times Magazine

Robert Telleria continues to put the spotlight on the artwork associated with sound recordings that feature prehistoric animals and on the subject of artwork, check out “What color were dinosaurs?”  Mike Fredericks and Tracy Lee Ford have collaborated on a new dinosaur themed colouring book.  It is reviewed in the “Mesozoic Media” section of the magazine.  Lots of palaeontology news including the discovery of new species of horned dinosaur (Yehuecauhceratops mudei) from Mexico is discussed and check out the wonderful Siats meekerorum illustration by Fabio Pastori.

Yehuecauhceratops mudei – A New Mexican Horned Dinosaur

Scientists have constructed a model of the Mexican dinosaur called Yehuecauhceratops.

Picture credit: Museo del Desierto, Mexico (The Coahuila Desert Museum)

Paying Tribute to Aurora Prehistoric Scenes

Our favourite article in the Spring edition of “Prehistoric Times”, comes from Steve Kelley, who takes readers on a very personal journey as he discusses his love of the Aurora Prehistoric Scenes model series.  What a fantastic collection Steve has been able to amass!  Ironically, this, very informative article does not include any pictures of the “Jungle Swamp” set, which was voted amongst Everything Dinosaur team members as our favourite.  Perhaps it will feature in part two, which is promised for issue 122.

Visit Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Everything Dinosaur.