The autumn edition of “Prehistoric Times” magazine has arrived (issue 139). It features a close-up view of the head of a Suchomimus, artwork created by the talented American palaeoartist Chuck Egnaczak on the front cover and inside Phil Hore profiles this enigmatic African spinosaurid.

Drawing Feathers

Tracy Lee Ford has dedicated the next few installments of his “how to draw dinosaurs” feature on how to draw feathers and other fancy integumentary coverings associated with the Dinosauria. In part 1, he covers different feather types and explains the differences between them. This is a handy technical guide which will aid illustrators as well as providing assistance when it comes to deciphering scientific papers which focus on feathered theropods.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Mike Howgate weighs in with not one, but two articles in this issue. He examines the fossil fish models created by 20th century model maker Vernon Edwards and in a separate piece, discusses the contribution of sculptor Alfred Lyndhurst Pocock who took up the reins for Gregory, Bottley and Co. after the sudden death of Edwards.

Jon Lavas continues his long-running series highlighting the work of the influential Czech artist Zdeněk Burian. In this issue the focus is on one of the most famous dinosaurs of all – Stegosaurus.

Remembering the Contribution to Palaeontology by José Bonaparte

José Bonaparte regarded as the “Father of Argentinian Palaeontology” passed away last year. His long and distinguished career is remembered in a special article written by CONICET staff members Agustin G. Martinelli and Analia M. Forasiepi. These two scientists along with colleague Guillermo W. Rougier (University of Louisville, Kentucky), contribute a second article looking at some of the early mammals of the Mesozoic.

Placodonts, Palaeontology News and Book Reviews

Issue 139 is crammed full of news, book reviews and features. There is more on the Marx collector models, editor Mike Fredericks provides an article and Randy Knol looks at new prehistoric animal model releases. Placodonts, specifically the bizarre Henodus are coverred by Phil Hore and look out for the article on the film “Quest for Fire”, which examines some of the perils of making films with prehistoric themes.

There is a lot to be admired in the latest issue of “Prehistoric Times”.

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