The beautiful Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon attract over 150,000 visitors each year. The site is managed by Natural England, and it is famed for its stunning views and wildlife especially migratory birds.  However, the Fleet Lagoon (England’s largest lagoon at around 480 hectares), is a great place to visit if you are a fossil collector.   Fossils can be found along almost the entire length of the lagoon. There are exposures of the Oxford Clay, Forest Marble, Kimmeridge Clay formations and Corallian limestones.  It would be great if a visitor to this part of the UNESCO “Jurassic Coast” had a guide to help them navigate this remarkable part of the Dorset coastline.

Such a guide is now available, thanks to authors Steve Snowball and Heather Middleton.  The pair have compiled a comprehensive and informative field guide to the safe and responsible collection of fossils from the Fleet Lagoon area.

The front cover of the new book that explores the remarkable fossils of the Fleet Lagoon of Dorset entitled “A Field Guide to the Jurassic Fossils of the Fleet Lagoon, Dorset” written by Steve Snowball and Heather Middleton.

Picture credit: Steve Snowball

Readers of this blog will be familiar with a series of guidebooks, co-authored by Steve Snowball that help fossil collectors explore various parts of the Dorset coast.  Back in 2022, we wrote about a wonderful collaboration between Steve Snowball and Craig Chivers who imagined an Edwardian gentleman visiting this picturesque part of the world.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s review of the excellent: Jurassic Fossils of the West Dorset Coast – A Time Traveller’s Guide.

Several excellent guides have been published about fossil hunting on the Dorset coast by Steve Snowball and Craig Chivers. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

“A Field Guide to the Jurassic Fossils of the Fleet Lagoon, Dorset”

This is a comprehensive and beautifully crafted field guide.  It is illustrated in full colour throughout, and it focuses on the wide variety of fossils associated with the area and its unique geology. If you thought that Tidmoor Point and its Oxford Clay exposures was the only place to collect fossils in this area, it’s time for a rethink.  This is an up-to-date and definitive guide with superb photographs of fossil specimens and wonderful artwork by the talented palaeoartist Andreas Kurpisz.

A school of curious ichthyosaurs. Fossils of these marine reptiles have been found in the Fleet Lagoon area. Picture credit: Andreas Kurpisz.

Picture credit: Andreas Kurpisz

Helpful Identification Charts

Readers will be able to explore marine reptile bones and teeth from the Kimmeridge Clay as well as Corallian echinoids and stunning ammonites such as Quenstedioceras as well as Kosmoceras from the Oxford Clay.  The book contains helpful identification charts and plenty of advice on making the most of your fossil hunting adventure. All the localities along the thirteen-kilometre length of this picturesque, tidal body of water, which separates Chesil Beach from the mainland, are fully described.

The vivid artwork of Andreas Kurpisz brings to life the ancient landscapes of southern England and the huge variety of prehistoric creatures that once inhabited them.  It is a wonderful guidebook for either the keen walker, casual visitor to the area or dedicated fossil hunter.

A trio of rhamphorhynchid pterosaurs soar over the tropical landscape of the area we now know as Dorset. Picture credit: Andreas Kurpisz.

Picture credit: Andreas Kurpisz

“A Field Guide to the Jurassic Fossils of the Fleet Lagoon, Dorset” has received praise for its informative text and illuminating photographs.  If you intend to visit this part of Dorset, it will prove to be an essential companion on your travels.

Book Details

Here is further information about this new fossil hunting guide:

Title: “A Field Guide to the Jurassic Fossils of the Fleet Lagoon, Dorset”

Authors: Steve Snowball and Heather Middleton

Illustrated by Andreas Kurpisz

ISBN: 978-1-7395570-3-4

Publisher: Siri Scientific Press

It contains 256 pages.

RRP: £24.99 and it is available on Amazon: “A Field Guide to the Jurassic Fossils of the Fleet Lagoon, Dorset”

You might think we know a lot about dinosaurs.  In truth, our knowledge of the Dinosauria has been transformed over the last few decades.  New fossil discoveries and the application of evermore sophisticated research techniques are providing palaeontologists with a wealth of new data.  Some of this data is allowing scientists to get a better understanding of dinosaur behaviour.   How these animals fed, communicated, chose mates, reproduced and formed social groups such as herds.

A new book written by Dr David Hone and illustrated by Gabriel Ugueto provides an up-to-date assessment of some of this research. The author skilfully guides the reader through the fundamentals of dinosaur biology and explains how pioneering research is shedding new light on dinosaurs and how they lived.

The front cover of the newly published dinosaur book “Uncovering Dinosaur Behavior” by Dr David Hone. Book illustrations are provided by Gabriel Ugueto. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

“Uncovering Dinosaur Behavior”

Published by Princeton University Press (hence the Americanisation of the word “behavior”), this is a beautifully crafted book.  The fossil record rarely captures evidence of activity. However, Dr Hone describes a wide range of behaviours and provides helpful scientific explanations.

Understanding dinosaur behaviour has traditionally faced challenges due to the scarcity of evidence preserved in the fossil record.  Dr David Hone sets out what we can learn from remarkable trace fossils and other fossil material. He presents the latest findings on dinosaur behaviour while explaining how researchers interpret the often limited and conflicting data available. Moreover, the author highlights how pioneering research sheds new light on prehistoric life, offering insights like never before. He also discusses future research directions in this exciting and rapidly evolving area of palaeontology.

The book contains lots of photographs of fossils and helpful diagrams.  The wide range of topics covered are beautifully illustrated by the extremely talented Gabriel Ugueto.

Book Details

Here is further information about this new dinosaur book:

Title: “Uncovering Dinosaur Behavior – What They Did and How we Know”

Author: Dr David Hone

Illustrated by Gabriel Ugueto

ISBN: 9780691215914

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published on November 5th, 2024. It contains 248 pages. The book features 12 colour and 70 mono illustrations.

The publisher’s website: Princeton University Press.

Overall, “Uncovering Dinosaur Behavior” is a must-read for anyone interested in the captivating world of dinosaurs. It not only informs but also inspires curiosity about how these ancient animals may have lived.

Highly recommended.

A new book written by English author Andrew Norman entitled “The Dinosaurs and their Mysterious Demise” proposes a new theory to explain the dinosaur extinction.  The K-Pg extinction event remains one of the most dramatic episodes in the history of life on our planet.  Of the five mass extinction events, referred to as the “Big Five”, that have occurred during the Phanerozoic, it is perhaps the end-Cretaceous event that has attracted the most interest.  We suspect that this interest is largely down to the dramatic end of the reign of the non-avian dinosaurs.

We seem to be fascinated with the Dinosauria. Our curiosity prompts us to delve into the scientific theories that attempt to explain their extinction.  It is the dinosaur extinction that reminds us of our own fragility of existence.

Renowned author Andrew Norman puts forward a new hypothesis that explains why some groups of animals survived this extinction event, whilst others such as the non-avian dinosaurs did not.

The front cover of “Dinosaurs and Their Mysterious Demise”. This newly published book looks at the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs and provides a new perspective on why some groups of animals died out whilst others survived. Picture credit: Pen and Sword Books Ltd.

Picture credit: Pen and Sword Books Ltd

A New Idea About the Dinosaur Extinction

Published by Pen and Sword Books Limited, this new release has already attracted extremely favourable reviews.  The author’s writing style has been praised.  Team members at Everything Dinosaur were intrigued when they heard about this new publication.  There have been numerous hypotheses put forward to explain the dinosaur extinction.  However, fresh perspectives are always welcome, and we exchanged emails with the publisher, requesting further information.

Whilst it would not be fair to elucidate on the new ideas proposed by the author Andrew Norman, we did receive this statement:

“The question as to why the dinosaurs became extinct is no longer in doubt. However, the question that has not been addressed is, why was it that the dinosaurs, which ranged in size from the largest terrestrial creatures ever known, to ones the size of chickens, were completely eliminated when an asteroid struck the Earth, whereas the mammals and reptiles survived? The likely answer is to be found in my newly published book.”

We welcome, this new addition to a controversial area of vertebrate palaeontology and we are sure that the ideas expressed in this new book will inform and intrigue a whole new generation of readers.

Book Details

Here is further information about this new publication:

Title: “The Dinosaurs and Their Mysterious Demise”

Author: Andrew Norman

ISBN: 9781399041126

Publisher: Pen and Sword Books Ltd

Published on October 16th, 2024. It contains 160 pages and 32 mono illustrations.

The publisher’s website: Pen and Sword Books.

A new book about dinosaurs is due to be published by Princeton University Press later this month (October 2024).  Entitled “The Little Book of Dinosaurs” it has been written by British palaeontologist Rhys Charles.  Rhys is the Senior Engagement and Impact Officer at the School of Earth Sciences at the University of Bristol.  He has also been involved with the famous Bristol Dinosaur Project since 2016.

It is a delightful, pocket-sized guide to the Dinosauria and their close relatives.  This book would make an ideal gift for the festive season.

A new dinosaur book “The Little Book of Dinosaurs” in time for the festive season. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The “Little Book of Dinosaurs” by Rhys Charles

“The Little Book of Dinosaurs” captivates readers with well-crafted and informative text. Vibrant illustrations and photographs of important fossil specimens are included in this charming little book.  It is broken down into numerous chapters.  Topics covered include defining the Dinosauria, dinosaur diversity and the evolution of flight.  Moreover, there is a fascinating section on the K-Pg extinction event. Readers can expect other archosaurs such as pterosaurs to feature too.

A skeleton of a pterosaur from the new dinosaur book “The Little Book of Dinosaurs” by Rhys Charles. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Book Details

Here is further information about this new publication:

Title: “The Little Book of Dinosaurs”

Author: Rhys Charles

ISBN: 9780691259895

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Due to be published on October 22nd, 2024. It contains 160 pages and 140 colour illustrations.

The publisher’s website: Princeton University Press.

The book contains lots of beautiful illustrations of dinosaurs and their fossils. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

It’s perfect for budding palaeontologists and fans of dinosaurs. Overall, it is a delightful read and highly recommended.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“This is an enchanting book.  It is aimed at the dinosaur enthusiast as well as the general reader.  We recommend this dinosaur book.”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

David, a customer of Everything Dinosaur and a writer of science-fiction books sent into us a review of a new novel entitled “Predatory” authored by Mike Esola. In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, where the dense canopy swallows the sun and whispers of a primordial world still linger in the air, mercenaries embark on a perilous rescue mission and encounter prehistoric animals.

Here is the “Predatory” book review:

“Predatory” by Mike Esola

A plot summary: a unit of mercenaries are sent into the Amazon rainforest to rescue an abducted billionaire, Elizabeth Pollock. She isn’t the first to have been kidnapped. The tooth-and-claw environment of the Amazon is finely depicted in its naturalistic wonder and there is a compelling antagonist called Jeffery, a former billionaire that has boycotted his possessions and vast wealth.

The front cover of the novel “Predatory” by Mike Esola.

Disgruntled from the capitalist world, where billionaires have focused on space travel as a commercial luxury rather than invest their fortunes in aiding and preserving the natural wonders of the world, which are being pillaged, Jeffery has retreated to the heart of the Amazon, where over the last decade has metamorphosised into a lean, intimidating and athletic Tarzanesque character with a split personality known as the “Misanthrope” who is commandeering him and has filed down teeth and sharpened fingernails and has a preference for moving about on all fours which gives off vibes akin to Sabre-tooth in X-men Origins or the Beast from the film Split.

But Jeffery and the Misanthrope aren’t the only threat; inhabiting this uncharted region of the Amazon are packs of Fasolasuchus, utterly formidable and horrifying nine-metre-long rauisuchians cousin of crocodiles that thrived during the Late Triassic and preyed upon the first dinosaurs, a specimen unfamiliar to the public. Overall, this is a splendid alternative protagonist over a theropod dinosaur.

Encountering a Pack of Fasolasuchus

The detail of the attacks by these rauisuchians is described well, particularly the size, impact and violence. So, kudos to the author for his wise choice of creature inclusion. And to ramp up the fear factor, Jeffrey is able to exhibit a degree of control over them. He uses a wooden paddle which he smacks against trees to draw their attention to his location when he is stalking his human prey.

“Predatory” is a real treat for any lover of a creature-feature, the cover completely illustrates the tense opening segment, and the title is self-explanatory. Throughout the story, there are plenty of references to the films Predator and Anaconda, such as the quote: “Over here, over here, turn around, turn around” and there is a moment where there is a shrine of polished human skulls encountered and the character of Cooper Conrad is reminiscent of Billy from Predator.

There are some scenes where the mercenaries utilise night vision goggles that may picturesquely remind one of the Hyaenodon scene in episode 3 of Walking With Beasts or the Velociraptor attack scene in Jurassic World.

Lots of Dinosaur Interaction

The dialogue between characters has Michael Crichtonesque tone to it which explains the ongoing situation very well. There are some psychedelic scenes involving views of the Earth, interspersed with some visuals of dinosaurs, in particular a supplementary hunt of Deinonychus against a Tenontosaurus as well as Diplodocus, Sauroposeidon and Dreadnoughtus browsing at varying tier levels of heights.

“Misanthropic pessimism colliding with capitalist decadence in a primordial setting.” Is the prime theme of this story.

Predatory concludes with an interesting epilogue encompassing the irrefutable fact of humans “geologic connection” to the Earth [a recurring quote from the Misanthrope] and the morbid influence of the antagonist passing on the torch.

This novel would make for a great movie adaptation, hopefully not by some director who does only B-grade films but a proper, well-funded feature with top notch special effects and script.

To be advised: “Predatory” is recommended for a reader’s age of 15 years + and has strong language and descriptive violence.

It’s available on Amazon in paperback and E-book.

Our thanks to David for sending in his review and our thanks to Mike Esola for giving us permission to use the image included in this article.

The third edition of the remarkable book “The Princeton Field Guide to Dinosaurs” is now available.  This is a fully updated and revised edition of this highly acclaimed book series.  Author Gregory S. Paul has once again excelled.  The renowned dinosaur expert has produced a most informative and beautifully illustrated dinosaur book.  Over a hundred new dinosaur taxa have been added to this, the third edition.  It is an updated account of the amazing Dinosauria, building on the excellent second edition that was printed in 2016.

The front cover of “The Princeton Field Guide to Dinosaurs”, the third edition. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To read Everything Dinosaur’s review of the second edition (2016): “The Princeton Field Guide to Dinosaurs” – Second Edition.

“The Princeton Field Guide to Dinosaurs”

Following a brief introduction, the author provides a history of dinosaur research.  Their origins and evolution are discussed before an extensive assessment of dinosaur biology and how behaviours can be inferred from the fossil record.  The dinosaur/bird link is explored, and a small section of this new book examines the consequences if the non-avian dinosaurs had survived the K-Pg extinction event.

Following this comprehensive overview of dinosaur research, the author sets out the taxonomy of the Dinosauria and provides details of species.  Fittingly, basal dinosaurs are covered first.  Theropods and the sauropodomorphs are featured next before the closing chapter tackles the Ornithischia.  This excellent book features beautiful life reconstructions.  For example, Euoplocephalus (see image below).

A friendly-looking armoured dinosaur (Euoplocephalus) drawn by Gregory S. Paul. One of numerous full-colour illustrations in the book. Picture credit: Gregory S. Paul.

Picture credit: Gregory S. Paul

Additional Reading and an Overview of Formations

Gregory S. Paul kindly provides a helpful list of additional reading.  In addition, an index to dinosaur taxa is provided along with an alphabetical index of formations where dinosaur fossils have been discovered.  Throughout this book the author has included stunning skeleton reconstructions, often accompanied by life drawings.  He explains what fossils have been found and highlights the palaeoenvironment for each listing.  Close-up drawings of parts of the skeleton such as the skull are also included.

The book contains beautiful skeletal reconstructions and drawings of dinosaurs. Picture credit: Gregory S.  Paul.

Picture credit: Gregory S. Paul

Book Details

Title: “The Princeton Field Guide to Dinosaurs” by Gregory S. Paul

Publisher: Princeton University Press

ISBN: 9780691231570

More details and book orders can be made here: Princeton University Press.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“This is a superb dinosaur book. It is a must have for anyone with an interest in dinosaurs.”

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models.

In the dynamic and highly competitive world of publishing, a compelling quote from a respected reviewer can significantly enhance a book’s appeal. This is especially important when attempting to publicise a new dinosaur book, written by a distinguished author.

These endorsements provide multiple benefits. Firstly, they help to establish credibility amongst potential purchasers. A positive review from Everything Dinosaur signals that this book is worth considering. This is particularly essential in niche genres like palaeontology. Moreover, a captivating quote can intrigue a prospective buyer.  It sparks curiosity and excitement.

The front cover of the book features a mounted skeleton of Triceratops. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Importance of a Reviewer Quote for a Dinosaur Book

In reality, a reviewer’s endorsement on the jacket is not just decoration. It is a vital tool for attracting readers and fostering enthusiasm in a crowded market. To this end, Everything Dinosaur team members provided the publisher of “A History of Dinosaurs in 50 Fossils” with a selection of quotations.

We had published a review of this new dinosaur book earlier and praised the work of author Professor Paul M. Barrett.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s book review: A New Dinosaur Book for the Festive Season.

This dinosaur book is published by the London Natural History Museum (ISBN: 9780565095338). It is highly recommended.

An Archaeopteryx (A. lithographica) model on display.  The iconic Archaeopteryx features in the new dinosaur book. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The publisher welcomed our review and comments.  In addition, we compiled some short quotations to support the marketing efforts.  These quotations are referred to as “blurbs”.

What is a Blurb?

A blurb is a short description. It is a concise, persuasive summary and provides a short, promotional description. Blurbs can relate to a book, film, podcast or any creative work. Blurbs typically appear on the back cover of printed books and are intended to encourage readers to buy the book.

Putting our thinking caps on we came up with the following quotations:

“A History of Dinosaurs in 50 Fossils is a captivating and illuminating journey through the awe-inspiring world of prehistoric life. With its masterful blend of scientific rigor and engaging storytelling, this book transports readers back in time, bringing the distant past to vivid life through the lens of carefully curated fossil specimens. A must-read for anyone fascinated by the mysteries and marvels of the dinosaur era.”

Our second quotation:

“It is a spellbinding voyage into the awe-inspiring domain of the Dinosauria. Professor Barrett’s masterful command of scientific rigor is seamlessly woven with captivating storytelling, transporting readers back through the mists of time and bringing the distant past to vivid, visceral life. Anchored by the lens of iconic fossil specimens, the book not only immerses us in the prehistoric world, but also deftly connects us to the latest theories and research, offering a holistic, enlightening experience. This is a must-read for anyone captivated by the enduring mysteries and marvels of the dinosaur era.”

The Dinosaur Book Blurb

After some discussion, we settled upon this quotation:

A History of Dinosaurs in 50 Fossils is a captivating and illuminating journey through the awe-inspiring world of the Dinosauria. Professor Barrett skilfully blends scientific rigour with engaging storytelling. He transports readers back in time, bringing the distant past to vivid life through the lens of iconic fossil specimens. Moreover, the author succeeds in bringing us back to the present by outlining some of the latest theories and research. A must-read for anyone fascinated by the mysteries and marvels of the dinosaur era.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.