Book Reviews - Part 7

31 10, 2020

New Prehistoric Times Issue 135 Reviewed

By Mike|2024-03-17T09:43:22+00:00October 31st, 2020|Dinosaur Fans, Magazine Reviews, Main Page|0 Comments

Prehistoric Times Issue 135 Reviewed

The latest edition of “Prehistoric Times” magazine has arrived at Everything Dinosaur’s offices. The nights might be drawing in and we may all have a long, dark winter ahead but this magazine is a bright spot in otherwise difficult times.

“Prehistoric Times” Magazine

The front cover features an amazing illustration from Mark Hallett, an American artist whose work has graced many a front cover of this quarterly magazine. His latest contribution features a cave bear defending her cub from a marauding sabre-toothed cat. The famous palaeoartist created a model of the animal’s skeletons from which he first produced a pencil catch before finalising his artwork, which was painted specially for “Prehistoric Times”.

The Amazing Front Cover Artwork for Prehistoric Times Issue 135

Prehistoric Times magazine front cover (issue 135) — *The front cover of “Prehistoric Times” magazine issue 135 (autumn 2020).*

Picture credit: Mike Fredericks from artwork by Mark Hallett

Inside the magazine, readers will discover that Mark has penned two articles, a feature on Steppe lion extinction in Europe and a beautifully illustrated piece that discusses interactions between carnivores that shared caves during the Pleistocene Epoch. The magazine also includes a special feature on the Dutch artist Esther van Hulsen, illustrated with plenty of examples of her work as a professional wildlife and palaeoartist. Tracy Lee Ford sets out to inspire the next generation of illustrators with a well-crafted contribution that considers how to draw Ankylosaurus, readers can expect plenty of pointers when it comes to recreating scutes and dermal armour.

Zdeněk Burian – Theropods Part Two

Fans of earlier palaeoartists can sink their teeth into the second part of an exploration of theropod illustrations by John Lavas. As well as documenting some of Burian’s famous artworks there is a helpful introduction that outlines the main components of the Theropoda. It is thought that Burian was ambivalent towards illustrating tyrannosaurs. Although much of his theropod illustration work undertaken is now considered outdated, Burian’s work was widely copied.

The Illustration of Tarbosaurus bataar by Burian (1970)

Picture credit: Zdeněk Burian

Gregory S. Paul contributes an article considering racism within palaeontology and regular writers Randy Knol and editor Mike Fredericks look at new models and review the latest books about prehistoric animals respectively.

Stegosaurus and Lystrosaurus

The autumn edition also includes special features on Stegosaurus and the hardy dicynodont Lystrosaurus. Our congratulations to Marcus Burkhardt and Elvind Bovor for their Stegosaurus drawings and to John Sibbick and Chuck Egnaczak for their Lystrosaurus illustrations. The prose for both articles was penned by the ever reliable Phil Hore.

A Tough, Hardy Survivor – Stegosaurus

Rebor Stegosaurus armatus "woodland" colour variant. — *The stunning Stegosaurus “woodland” colour variant from Rebor. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.*

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The picture (above) highlights one of the Rebor Stegosaurus models (Garden – Woodland).

To view the range of Rebor figures: Rebor Models and Figures.

Issue 135 of “Prehistoric Times” Magazine

There is certainly much to be admired in this edition of “Prehistoric Times”, from the latest news related to palaeontology to a Smilodon model build inspired by the cinema (Bruce Horton) and an overview of the “Jurassic Park” inspired work of Ted Brothers. This is an excellent magazine and a welcome addition to our autumn reading material.

To learn more about “Prehistoric Times” magazine and to subscribe: “Prehistoric Times” Magazine.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that they were looking forward to reading this excellent magazine.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

10 10, 2020

New Prehistoric Times – Preview

By Mike|2024-03-17T09:33:45+00:00October 10th, 2020|Dinosaur Fans, Magazine Reviews, Main Page, Photos, Prehistoric Times|0 Comments

Prehistoric Times – Preview

This might be a very strange and distressing year for many people (2020), we might be yearning for a sense of normality or normalcy as they say across the pond. Mike Fredericks and his team responsible for “Prehistoric Times”, the quarterly magazine for prehistoric animal enthusiasts, palaeoartists and collectors of dinosaur figures and related merchandise have produced another amazing issue and it will soon be in the post.

“Prehistoric Times” Magazine

The artwork that adorns the front cover is a dramatic Pleistocene-inspired scene created by the extremely talented American palaeoartist Mark Hallet. The artwork depicting a cave bear defending her calf, certainly has impact!

The Front Cover of “Prehistoric Times” Magazine (Issue 135)

Picture credit: Mike Fredericks

Front Cover Artwork by Mark Hallett

Inspired by a previous generation of great artists such as Charles R. Knight, Mark has worked with a large number of prestigious publications, museums and other institutions including National Geographic, the Smithsonian and the American Museum of Natural History as well as working with the likes of Steven Spielberg on the Jurassic Park franchise.

A passionate supporter of conservation, Mark continues to create beautiful and dramatic artwork depicting prehistoric scenes and dioramas helping to excite and inspire the next generation of scientists by encouraging them develop a fascination for the natural world. Inside this edition of the magazine readers will discover two articles penned by the Texas-based artist along with more examples of his exquisite artwork.

Stegosaurus is Featured

The autumn edition of “Prehistoric Times” (issue 135), also features an article written by the American researcher, illustrator and author Gregory S. Paul along with the second part of the perspective on theropod dinosaur artwork of the famous Czech artist Zdeněk Burian in a long-running series researched and written by John Lavas. Stegosaurus is the featured dinosaur and look out for an article on that survivor of the Permian mass extinction, the herbivorous, heavily-built Lystrosaurus. It’s great to see a member of the Dicynodontia showcased in the magazine.

Whilst waiting for the magazine to arrive, visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

In these troubling times, “Prehistoric Times” helps to bring together the prehistoric animal model collecting community. We are looking forward to receiving the next issue, it should be with us very soon.

Want to subscribe to “Prehistoric Times”? Click this link for more details: Subscribe to Prehistoric Times.

1 10, 2020

“Prehistoric Pets” Puts Palaeontology into Perspective

By Mike|2024-03-17T06:02:25+00:00October 1st, 2020|Book Reviews, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page|0 Comments

Pick Up “Prehistoric Pets” for Christmas

One of the problems we encounter when visiting schools to explain to young people about fossils and ancient life, is that children struggle to grasp the concept of deep time. The idea that Diplodocus roamed the Earth 150 million years ago can be a challenge when you think that the summer holiday seems to last forever. In addition, it’s tricky trying to convince an eight-year-old that the beautiful, shiny ammonite fossil that they are holding represents the shell of an animal that once swam in the sea.

If only there was a simple way in which we could get the children to see a link between animals alive today and what occurred in past. A new book entitled “Prehistoric Pets” written by the talented palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax, provides a fresh perspective, bridging the gap between living animals and their ancient ancestors.

The Front Cover of “Prehistoric Pets” by Dr Dean Lomax and Illustrated by Mike Love

Picture credit: Templar Books/Everything Dinosaur

Palaeontology Meets Pets

The premise is simple, “Prehistoric Pets” takes the reader on a journey back in time, linking familiar animals with their prehistoric ancestors. Dr Lomax examines seven of our nation’s favourite pets and uses fossil clues and other evidence to reveal who their animal ancestors were. Palaeontology meets pets when the evolutionary history of the goldfish is summarised succinctly and with a liberal sprinkling of fishy-themed facts.

The gauntlet is thrown down with readers invited answer to the question “Which prehistoric fish was a Jurassic giant longer than a T. rex?” The solution presents itself in pop-up form, turn the page and the reader encounters a trio of prehistoric monsters including a huge Leedsichthys (leeds-ick-thus), a fish as long as a humpback whale.

Say Hello to Bubbles the Goldfish and Learn About her Ray-finned Ancestors

A goldfish from the book "Prehistoric Pets". — *Did you know that goldfish are social creatures? The evolutionary history of fish dates back more than 500 million years.*

Picture credit: Templar Books/Everything Dinosaur

Incorporating Scientific Terms to Expand the Vocabulary of Young Readers

The beautiful illustrations by Mike Love compliment the copious detail that has been incorporated into this publication. The text has been laid out in an easy-to-follow and appealing style and we heartily approve of the mix of vocabulary chosen.

Dean Lomax has balanced the need to keep the text easy to comprehend but also slipped in some scientific terms which children will relish. For example, Jasper the Corn snake is ectothermic and when the weather turns cold in the southern and east-central USA, where these snakes can be found in the wild, these reptiles brumate! No need to worry, Dr Lomax has made sure that simple explanations of these scientific terms have been provided.

Visit the website of Dr Dean Lomax: Palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax.

Learning Fun Facts About Jasper the Corn Snake

Jasper the corn snake features in the book "Prehistoric Pets" — *Scientists think that the first snakes evolved in the Jurassic!*

Picture credit: Templar Books/Everything Dinosaur

Birds and Dinosaurs Feature in “Prehistoric Pets”

Budding young palaeontologists will relish the prospect of learning about Josephoartigasia monesi, (pronounced joseff-oh-arty-ga-see-ah mon-es-ee), a one tonne, giant rodent distantly related to a guinea pig, as well as making the connection between a budgerigar and famous, meat-eating dinosaur Velociraptor. This is a cleverly constructed publication that will enthral and entertain both young and old readers alike.

A Velociraptor Pops Up! Velociraptor Demonstrates that Budgerigars are Dinosaurs!

The book "Prehistoric Pets" demonstrates the link between a budgie and a dinosaur! — *A non-bird dinosaur Velociraptor. The book “Prehistoric Pets” demonstrates the link between a budgie and a dinosaur!*

Picture credit: Templar Books/Everything Dinosaur

Published by Templar Books and available in a hardcopy format, this eye-catching and humorous book makes an ideal Christmas gift.

For further information about “Prehistoric Pets” and other gift ideas for young readers: Email Everything Dinosaur.

Highly recommended!

Visit the award-winning and child-friendly Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

22 09, 2020

A New Book Review “Dinosaurs How They Lived and Evolved”

By Mike|2024-03-15T22:08:33+00:00September 22nd, 2020|Adobe CS5, Book Reviews, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

“Dinosaurs How They Lived and Evolved”

Team members at Everything Dinosaur have been re-reading the second edition of the excellent dinosaur book “Dinosaurs How They Lived and Evolved”. We reviewed this publication in the early summer, but as the autumn darkness descends we have been visiting once again its chapters on the dinosaur family tree and dinosaur biology, ecology and behaviour. This really is an excellent and most informative dinosaur book.

A Book and One Model but Two Tianyulongs

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

“Dinosaurs How They Lived and Evolved”

The front cover of “Dinosaurs How They Lived and Evolved” features an illustration of the Jurassic heterodontosaurid Tianyulong munching on some ginkgo leaves. This illustration was created by the very talented Bob Nicholls. As this bizarre Chinese dinosaur is featured on the cover we included a model of a Tianyulong (PNSO) in our photograph. The authors of this wonderful dinosaur book, much updated and revised from the first edition, are to be congratulated for compiling such a well-crafted book on the Dinosauria.

“Dinosaurs How They Lived and Evolved” is crammed full of fascinating facts and amazing information, all presented in a writing style that makes it easy for the general reader to follow. The myriad of drawings, charts, maps, diagrams and prehistoric animal themed artwork help to illustrate key points in the story of the Dinosauria.

This book is highly recommended and would make an excellent gift for the festive season.

Co-author Darren Naish now sells copies of his books here (subject to availability), ask him nicely and he might include a special customised dinosaur illustration for you.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s review of “Dinosaurs How They Lived and Evolved” by Darren Naish and Paul M. Barrett: Everything Dinosaur Reviews “Dinosaurs How They Lived and Evolved”.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

15 09, 2020

“Prehistoric Pets” – New Book Links Pets with Their Ancestors

By Mike|2024-03-15T07:49:16+00:00September 15th, 2020|Adobe CS5, Book Reviews, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Photos, Press Releases|0 Comments

“Prehistoric Pets” – New Book Links Pets with Their Ancestors

A new book is due to be published shortly entitled “Prehistoric Pets”. It has been written by the very talented palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax, with illustrations by Mike Love. This exciting forthcoming publication links pets with their prehistoric ancestors, helping to bridge a gap in children’s understanding about fossils and deep geological time.

The Front Cover of “Prehistoric Pets” by Dr Dean Lomax with Illustrations by Mike Love

Picture credit: Templar Books/Everything Dinosaur

Highly Informative, Fact Filled and Humorous

Dr Dean Lomax is one of a very select number of academics who have the ability to communicate complex ideas in simple terms so that general readers can comprehend. The book is crammed full of fascinating facts and snippets of information that children will relish. Beautifully designed pop-ups feature amazing prehistoric creatures, animals such as the tiny Sifrhippus (siff-rip-uss), the oldest known ancestor of the modern horse. A cat-sized creature that roamed Wyoming during the Eocene Epoch.

“Prehistoric Pets” – Tracing the Ancestry of the Modern Horse

Horses feature in the book "Prehistoric Pets". — *One of the beautiful animal illustrations from the book “Prehistoric Pets” by Dr Dean Lomax (illustrated by Mike Love).*

Picture credit: Templar Books/Everything Dinosaur

“Prehistoric Pets” is an Awesome Book

This awesome book is due to be published next month (October 2020), it will make an ideal Christmas gift for a young palaeontologist.

The website of Dr Dean Lomax: British Palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax.

When this book is available, Everything Dinosaur will be writing a review of “Prehistoric Pets”.

Well-written and Cleverly Designed – A Great Christmas Gift Idea “Prehistoric Pets”

"Prehistoric Pets" - brilliant bird facts. — Brilliant bird facts in the awesome new book written by Dr Dean Lomax and illustrated by Mike Love. The book contains lots of amazing information and facts. Written in a humorous style, “Prehistoric Pets” takes the reader on a journey back in time, linking familiar pets alive today with their prehistoric ancestors.

Picture credit: Templar Books/Everything Dinosaur

For advice and further recommendations about dinosaur/prehistoric animal books aimed at young readers: Email Everything Dinosaur.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

20 07, 2020

New “Prehistoric Times” Issue 134 Reviewed

By Mike|2024-03-09T06:32:52+00:00July 20th, 2020|Dinosaur Fans, Magazine Reviews, Main Page, Photos|0 Comments

A Review of Prehistoric Times Magazine (Issue 134)

Summer is officially here at the Everything Dinosaur offices with the arrival of the summer edition of “Prehistoric Times”, issue number 134. This is the magazine for dinosaur enthusiasts and fans of model collecting. Published four times a year, “Prehistoric Times” provides a one-stop shop for all your prehistoric animal collecting needs. Adorning the front cover is an illustration of Allosaurus by the highly influential Zdeněk Burian. Inside the magazine John Lavas continues his comprehensive review of the famous Czech artist’s work, the summer edition starts the sequence of articles that will cover dinosaur illustrations produced by Burian and it is the theropods that take centre stage.

The Front Cover of Prehistoric Times (Summer 2020)

"Prehistoric Times" magazine, the front cover of issue 134. — *The front cover of “Prehistoric Times” magazine (summer 2020). Inside the magazine (page 11), the full illustration featuring a Stegosaurus is discussed. This artwork was produced in 1950.*

Picture credit: Mike Fredericks

Diplodocus and Kaprosuchus

Diplodocus and Kaprosuchus are featured and Phil Hore provides plenty of information including the story of “Dippy” the Diplodocus, not just the London Natural History Museum cast that occupied the famous Hintze hall from 1979 until 2017.

Reading the article was quite poignant for Everything Dinosaur team members, as they had been working with the Natural History Museum “Dippy” tour in the UK when the COVID-19 pandemic began to get really serious and such events were cancelled. There are some wonderful Diplodocus themed illustrations included, look out for the skeleton reconstruction by John Sibbick and the “head on” view created by the talented Luis Rey. There is a Diplodocus drawing submitted by Fabio Pastori and Mark Hallett, provides some illustrations too, along with an article discussing nostril placement in diplodocids.

Phil’s Kaprosuchus article includes plenty of “boar croc” artwork as well. Cody Zaiser’s galloping crocodyliform is particularly impressive.

Kaprosuchus is One of the Featured Prehistoric Animals in Issue 134

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The picture (above) shows a Papo Kaprosuchus model. To see the range of Papo prehistoric animal models available from Everything Dinosaur: Papo Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Collector Updates and Neanderthals

Randy Knol provides updates on some of the new releases, now expected towards the latter stages of 2020 (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) and his notes on the models include some cleverly composed photographs of the figures. Dr Andreas Forrer provides a guided tour of three locations in his native Switzerland that were once inhabited by Neanderthals. As well as featuring lots of stunning scenery, the article includes plenty of facts about our near cousins including some information on the author’s own genotype, complete with a trace of Homo neanderthalensis DNA.

There’s also a very well written feature on how to draw Lambeosaurines, specifically Corythosaurus, penned by Tracy Lee Ford. Editor Mike Fredericks, now happily much better after having had a spell in hospital (a troublesome gall bladder), contributes with his regular “Collector’s Corner” and book reviews in “Mesozoic Media”. If creepy crawlies give you the creeps, then it might be best to avoid John Tuttle’s article that documents some of the giant arthropods that once scuttled or buzzed around ancient ecosystems.

One of the Stunning Theropod Illustrations by Zdeněk Burian that Feature in the Magazine

Burian depicts a Triassic landscape. — *Beautiful and evocative artwork from Burian (Coelophysis bauri and Eupelor durus).*

Picture credit: Zdeněk Burian as featured in Prehistoric Times

Visit Everything Dinosaur: Everything Dinosaur.

Subscribe to “Prehistoric Times” Magazine

Issue 134 (summer 2020), is packed full of fascinating articles, great artwork and well-written features. Everything Dinosaur recommends this excellent magazine for dinosaur model fans.

For further information about Prehistoric Times and to subscribe: Prehistoric Times Magazine.

6 07, 2020

“Dinosaurs How they lived and evolved” Book Review

By Mike|2024-03-05T08:49:32+00:00July 6th, 2020|Adobe CS5, Book Reviews, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

A Review of “Dinosaurs How they lived and evolved”

Time to sink our teeth into “Dinosaurs – how they lived and evolved”, the second edition of this comprehensive account of the Dinosauria written by Darren Naish and Paul M. Barrett. This book was first published four years ago but this is a much revised edition with a soft cover. Conveniently split into six broad chapters, it is aimed at the general reader as well as the dedicated dinosaur enthusiast and student of the Earth Sciences. The authors possess a rare gift, sadly often lacking in other science communicators, that is, the ability to convey complex ideas and information in an entertaining and coherent manner.

“Dinosaurs – How They Lived and Evolved”

The text is supported by a small glossary, a section directing the reader to further sources of information and a comprehensive index. In addition, the carefully selected illustrations, diagrams, stunning photographs and artwork help to acquaint the reader with new ideas and developments in vertebrate palaeontology.

The Front Cover of “Dinosaurs How They Lived and Evolved”

The front cover of the dinosaur book. — *The front cover of the revised and updated second edition of “Dinosaurs How they lived and evolved” by Darren Naish and Paul. M. Barrett.* *Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.*

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

What’s New in this Edition?

Originally published in 2016, this second edition is described by the publishers as a “fully revised and updated version”, suffice to say this expression probably undersells this new edition somewhat. Such is the nature of palaeontology that our knowledge of the Dinosauria is constantly changing, new ideas are being put forward and long established mindsets challenged. This publication updates the general reader and incorporates some substantial changes.

There’s much more to this book than just a new cover! Although we have to congratulate the authors for selecting renowned palaeoartist Bob Nicholls and his interpretation of the Chinese heterodontosaurid Tianyulong, it is an inspired choice (see above). This stunning artwork dramatically sums up how what we know about dinosaurs has changed and the way in which these “fearfully great lizards” are depicted.

New Images and Illustrations

In the second edition a number of images have been changed and several of the simplified cladograms have been revised to incorporate new research.

For example, in Chapter 2 “The Dinosaur Family Tree” this chapter has been rewritten and includes the controversial reassessment of the Dinosauria by Baron et al that was published in 2017.

To read more about the scientific paper: Root and Branch Reform of the Dinosaur Family Tree.

Many new taxa are included with illustrations and the sections covering the origin of birds and their relationships within the Maniraptora have been revised and updated.

Simple, Easy to Understand Diagrams

Ornithopoda cladogram. — *Simplified cladograms provide information and many have been updated to reflect new research.* *Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.*

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Beautiful Photographs of Famous Museum Exhibits

Throughout this beautifully illustrated publication there are lots of full colour photographs of famous dinosaur fossils and museum exhibits to enjoy. Credit to the authors for concluding this excellent book with a final chapter that not only details the mass extinction event that marks the end of the Mesozoic but looks at how the Aves faired during this period of dramatic turmoil and their continuance of the theropod line into modern times.

The Book Features Detailed Images of Iconic Dinosaur Fossils and Museum Exhibits

Coelophysis dinosaur fossil. — *The book contains beautiful photographs of some of the most iconic dinosaur fossils.* *Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.*

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

This dinosaur book is highly recommended.

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

29 06, 2020

A Preview of the Next Edition of “Prehistoric Times”

By Mike|2024-02-23T15:32:10+00:00June 29th, 2020|Dinosaur Fans, Magazine Reviews, Main Page|0 Comments

The Front Cover of Issue 134 “Prehistoric Times”

Team members at Everything Dinosaur are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next edition of the quarterly magazine “Prehistoric Times”. We have not got too long to wait and just to whet the appetites of subscribers we have published a picture of the front cover of the next issue (issue number 134). The front cover features an illustration of Allosaurus by the distinguished and extremely influential Zdeněk Burian. In the summer issue of the magazine, John Lavas continues his long-running series of articles discussing the work of the famous Czech artist. In this edition, the focus in on Burian’s theropod dinosaur artwork.

The Front Cover of Prehistoric Times (Issue 134 – Summer 2020)

Picture credit: Mike Fredericks

The editor of the magazine, Mike Fredericks commented:

“John Lavas has finally reached the dinosaurs painted by Burian so we celebrate with a rare painting of his of Allosaurus on the front cover. We include Diplodocus and Mark Hallett also writes an article about this dinosaur with much of his art.”

As always, the next issue of “Prehistoric Times” will be crammed full of informative articles, news, model reviews and updates on dinosaur fossil discoveries. The fearsome ancient crocodyliform Kaprosuchus (K. saharicus) from the Upper Cretaceous Echkar Formation of Niger also features in the forthcoming issue.

To subscribe to “Prehistoric Times” magazine: Learn more about “Prehistoric Times” magazine.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

21 06, 2020

A Trip Down Memory Lane to the Late Jurassic

By Mike|2024-02-23T07:37:28+00:00June 21st, 2020|Book Reviews, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Main Page, Photos|0 Comments

The Solnhofen Lagerstätte

Whilst looking for some information related to Triassic archosaurs, we came across a copy of a dinosaur book that was published forty-four years ago (1976). Entitled “The evolution and ecology of the Dinosaurs”, this publication and the way it depicts the Dinosauria and their relatives might be very much out of date these days, but perusing the pages with their beautiful illustrations is still a very worthwhile activity.

The Front Cover of “The evolution and ecology of the Dinosaurs”

"The evolution and ecology of the Dinosaurs" by L. B. Halstead. — *The front cover of “The evolution and ecology of the dinosaurs” by L. B. Halstead.* *Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.*

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Written by L. B. Halstead and illustrated by Giovanni Caselli, this dinosaur book was part of the Eurobook Ltd stable and was published by Book Club Associates. We suspect that further editions were published but this is the only copy that we have in Everything Dinosaur’s library.

Five Chapters

Following a brief introduction, the book takes the reader through the evolution of the dinosaurs with one chapter dedicated to the origin of the Reptilia and the conquest of terrestrial environments. A second chapter defines dinosaurs and sets out the “classical” view of the dinosaur family tree complete with a skilfully designed chronology of the main types of dinosaur and how they fit into the Reptilia and in broader terms, the evolution of the subphylum Vertebrata (the vertebrates). The other three chapters are dedicated to the Triassic, Jurassic and the Cretaceous respectively.

One of the Beautiful Illustrations from the Dinosaur Book

A Late Jurassic lagoon. — *An illustration from a dinosaur book, depicting the extensive lagoons of what was to become Germany in the Late Jurassic.*

Picture credit: Giovanni Caselli

Amazing Late Jurassic Dinosaurs

In the foreground (above), a second species of Compsognathus – C. corallestris is shown. It was thought that this theropod was adapted to a semi-aquatic existence. The first fossils associated with Compsognathus were found in southern Germany in the 19th century. A second, larger specimen associated with this genus was found in a lithographic limestone quarry near Nice in 1971. This specimen was scientifically described and named in 1972 by Alain Bidar et al.

Although, the French specimen was found in association with lagoonal deposits and at the time it was described it was thought to be a separate species, C. corallestris is now thought to be a junior synonym of Compsognathus longiceps and most palaeontologists think that there is just one species associated with this genus.

The Complete Illustration of a Jurassic Lagoon from the Dinosaur Book

A Late Jurassic scene from Germany. — *The full illustration depicting the lagoonal environment associated with the Solnhofen Lagerstätte.* *Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.*

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

It was a pleasant experience to take a few minutes out of our busy day to take a trip down memory lane with this book about dinosaurs.

For another pleasant experience, visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

14 06, 2020

A Video Review of “Dinosaurs – how they lived and evolved”

By Mike|2024-02-22T06:20:40+00:00June 14th, 2020|Adobe CS5, Book Reviews, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur videos, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

“Dinosaurs – how they lived and evolved” Video Review

Everything Dinosaur Facebook fans and followers will know that recently we ran a special competition to win one of three signed copies of the new dinosaur book by Darren Naish and Professor Paul Barrett. The contest may have drawn to a close but for those of you not lucky enough to win one of the “Dinosaurs – how they lived and evolved”, we have produced a short video, providing a brief overview of this excellent publication.

“Dinosaurs – How They Lived and Evolved”

A Whizz Through “Dinosaurs – how they lived and evolved”

Video credit: Everything Dinosaur

Completely Revised and Updated

In our short video review, we highlight “Dinosaurs – how they lived and evolved”, a book originally published in 2016, but this edition has been updated and revised. Conveniently split into six comprehensive chapters, starting with an introduction to the Dinosauria and concluding with the End-Cretaceous mass extinction event that saw the demise of the non-avian dinosaurs. The final chapter also looks at those theropods that survived the extinction event – the birds. This well-written book briefly highlights the diversity of the birds but also leaves the reader in no doubt that the Aves suffered extinctions at the end of the Mesozoic.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

Beautifully Illustrated Dinosaur Book

Wonderful illustrations in the dinosaur book. — *As well insightful writing, the book features the work of famous artists such as John Sibbick, Davide Bonadonna, Bob Nicholls and Mark Witton.* *Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.*

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur (from “Dinosaurs – How They Lived and Evolved”)

Fantastic Dinosaur Illustrations and Artwork

Aimed at the general reader with an interest in the Earth sciences and especially palaeontology, this new publication is eminently suitable for teenagers and above. It is crammed full of fascinating information and provides a comprehensive overview of dinosaurs, with many detailed illustrations and cladograms provided by Darren Naish (University of Southampton). Look out for amazing artwork produced by such luminaries as Bob Nicholls, Davide Bonadonna, Mark Witton, John Sibbick and Dr Julius Csotonyi (pronounced Chit-en-Knee). It was Bob Nicholls who created the fascinating illustration of a ginkgo-chewing heterodontosaurid (Tianyulong confuciusi) that features on the front cover.

Tianyulong confuciusi Features on the Front Cover

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

An illustration of Sinosauropteryx prima

The PNSO Age of Dinosaurs range of figures includes a Sinosauropteryx.

To view this range: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs.

Everything Dinosaur Facebook Competition

Everything Dinosaur Facebook fans and followers will probably remember that we recently ran a special competition to win one of three signed copies of this brilliant dinosaur book. Co-author Darren Naish had produced a personalised drawing on the inside front cover of each of the prizes that Everything Dinosaur gave away in their free to enter contest.

A Personalised and Signed Dinosaur Illustration on the Inside Front Cover

A sketch of Caudipteryx. — *A sketch of the primitive oviraptorosaur Caudipteryx by Darren Naish. Lucky Everything Dinosaur competition winners received a personalised and signed copy of this dinosaur book.* *Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.*

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Everything Dinosaur YouTube channel, is packed with lots of amazing videos all about dinosaurs and prehistoric animals: Subscribe to Everything Dinosaur on YouTube.