Book Reviews - Part 7

9 03, 2022

Explorers of Deep Time Video Script

By Mike|2024-10-27T12:38:54+00:00March 9th, 2022|Categories: Adobe CS5, Book Reviews, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

Team members at Everything Dinosaur have been busy making preparations for a free to enter Facebook competition to win a copy of the brilliant “Explorers of Deep Time” by the eminent American palaeontologist Roy Plotnick.

The competition will be up on the company’s Facebook site in the very near future (March 2022).

Please note the competition is now closed!

To visit Everything Dinosaur on Facebook: Visit Everything Dinosaur on Facebook.

The front cover of “Explorers of Deep Time” by eminent American palaeontologist Roy Plotnick. Picture credit: Columbia University Press.

Picture credit: Columbia University Press

A YouTube Video Linking the Facebook Competition

The plan is to produce a video outlining the details of the book competition on Everything Dinosaur’s YouTube channel. The video can provide a short review of “Explorers of Deep Time” and give details on how to enter the contest to win a copy of the book.

Everything Dinosaur promotes "Explorers of Deep Time"

A still from Everything Dinosaur’s YouTube video reviewing “Explorers of Deep Time” and explains the free to enter competition. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models.

“Explorers of Deep Time”

A script has been written for that part of the video that reviews “Explorers of Deep Time” by Roy Plotnick.

Here are the details:

Dedicated to Arnold and Mildred who we suspect were the author’s parents, the book is divided into four, carefully crafted general sections, each one exploring an element of what it is like to work in the Earth sciences.

For example, there is a chapter on working in the field, liberally sprinkled with contributions from an eclectic range of scientists and researchers at all stages of their careers who describe their own field work experiences. Roy’s enthusiasm for field work is skilfully reflected in his writing, after all, the chapter is entitled “Attending Marvels”.

Although there are black and white photos of fossils, this book is not about the fossils themselves but about the lives and careers of the people who collect them.

Chapter six entitled “Cool Toys” looks at the vast number of new research techniques and methodologies now used in palaeontology. Don’t expect numerous pictures, tables and diagrams, but interwoven into the narrative are lots of anecdotes from real scientists who discuss their experiences, their trials and triumphs as they pursue their careers.

Roy Plotnick concludes “Explorers of Deep Time” with a chapter headed “Last Thoughts”. In it he provides a S.W.O.T. analysis that looks at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with pursuing a career path in palaeontology. An excellent ready reckoner for anyone considering working in the Earth sciences.

Roy Plotnick and "Old White Male" challenging stereotypes.

The author describing himself as an OWM (old, white male) writes about the need to encourage greater diversity in the Earth Sciences with increased access and appropriate support for women, minorities, the disabled and other groups that may feel excluded. Picture credit: Roy Plotnick (University of Illinois).

Picture credit: Roy Plotnick (University of Illinois)

Roy, who describes himself as an “Old, White Male” champions diversity and he ardently supports greater inclusiveness in science disciplines.

The book has been very well received amongst fellow academics, as demonstrated by the glowing reviews, some of which are featured on the back cover. Including one from the very talented Victoria Arbour, a world-renowned authority on armoured dinosaurs.

Explorers of Deep Time gets a big thumbs up from Everything Dinosaur.

Please note the competition is now closed!

To visit Everything Dinosaur’s YouTube: Everything Dinosaur on YouTube.

6 03, 2022

“Explorers of Deep Time” Book Review

By Mike|2024-10-27T12:23:15+00:00March 6th, 2022|Categories: Book Reviews, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Palaeontological articles|0 Comments

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a palaeontologist? Have you ever thought about pursuing a career in the Earth Sciences? Not sure where to begin? A new book written by an eminent American palaeontologist entitled “Explorers of Deep Time” is a great place to start.

Author Roy Plotnick (University of Illinois, Chicago), provides a behind the scenes guide to being a palaeontologist, the trials, triumphs and tribulations and as a self-confessed OWM (old, white male), he champions inclusiveness and diversity amongst the scientific community.

The front cover of “Explorers of Deep Time” by eminent American palaeontologist Roy Plotnick. Picture credit: Columbia University Press.

Picture credit: Columbia University Press

Candid and Comprehensive

Roy has spent decades working as a palaeontologist. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America (GSA) and a Fellow of the Paleontological Society of America too. As such, he is exceedingly well-qualified to comment on how the study of ancient life has been revolutionised with the development of new research techniques.

The book is divided into four main chapters looking at various aspects of exploring deep, geological time. Starting with an overview in which the author addresses common misconceptions about palaeontologists, for instance, he is not Ross from “Friends” or Indiana Jones. Roy Plotnick guides the reader through the various and diverse routes to a job in the Earth sciences and explains what it is actually like to study palaeontology. If you have ever wondered about toilet facilities at dig sites, or how the increasing number of female scientists’ juggle starting a family with work commitments – then this book provides a practical and uncomplicated explanation.

Although the book has been written with an emphasis on the American education system and American academia, it outlines how palaeontology has developed and changed over the last forty years or so, explores new study techniques and places the science clearly in the context of helping to better understand how our world is changing today.

The author of “Explorers of Deep Time” Roy Plotnick (member of the Geological Society of America and the Paleontological Society of America. Picture credit: Columbia University Press.

Picture credit: Columbia University Press

An “Old White Male” Encourages Diversity

One of the key themes of “Explorers of Deep Time”, is the author’s wish that more women and ethnic minorities are represented in Earth science disciplines. Roy Plotnick examines some of the barriers that existed in his early career leading to a preponderance of “old, white males” within palaeontology. Many of these obstacles restricting participation have been removed, but the author skilfully argues for greater participation and draws on the experience of other scientists to help support his views.

He introduces readers to the diverse group of people of all genders, races, and international backgrounds who make up the twenty-first-century palaeontology community. The book provides a sounding board for their views and a platform for their perspectives, helping readers to obtain a better understanding of career paths and opportunities.

There is even a chapter dedicated to outlining the importance of published research and the struggles scientists can face getting their work into print, or more often than not these days, on-line.

This behind the scenes guide to palaeontology, is not crammed with stunning photographs and illustrations, but it does outline the varied challenges facing this discipline and provides a rare insight on the profession to aspiring scientists of all ages.

Candid and at times frank, this is an excellent guide to the pros and cons of choosing palaeontology as a career.

The author describing himself as an OWM (old, white male) writes about the need to encourage greater diversity in the Earth Sciences with increased access and appropriate support for women, minorities, the disabled and other groups that may feel excluded. Picture credit: Roy Plotnick (University of Illinois).

Picture credit: Roy Plotnick (University of Illinois)

Palaeontology SWOT Analysis

Not sure if a job in the Earth sciences is for you? Roy Plotnick concludes by providing a SWOT analysis. He outlines the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with working in the palaeontology profession. This analysis acts as a fitting summary to “Explorers of Deep Time”.

Published by Columbia University Press the hardcover book is priced at the time of writing at £28.00 GBP/$35.00 USD with the downloadable E-book priced at £28.00 GBP/$34.99 USD.

To purchase the book visit: Columbia University Press and search on the author surname “Plotnick” to find the web page for “Explorers of Deep Time”.

Highly recommended.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.

27 02, 2022

A New Book is Published – A Time Traveller’s Guide to Fossil Hunting on the West Dorset Coast

By Mike|2024-10-26T16:20:30+01:00February 27th, 2022|Categories: Adobe CS5, Book Reviews, Dinosaur Fans, Geology, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

When visiting Lyme Regis and other parts of the Jurassic Coast we are often aghast at the huge numbers of fossil hunters to be seen on the beach. We tend to avoid the late summer months as this beautiful part of the Dorset coast will have been virtually picked clean of all the fossil material. The tide might continue to wash out the remains of creatures from an Early Jurassic sea, but the enthusiastic holidaymakers and tourists soon make short work of whatever has been deposited on the beach.

Sitting on some large rock, comfortably away from the dangerous cliffs, with a flask of tea and a local pastie to sustain us, we are often approached by beachcombers curious to ask our advice or to receive assistance in identifying their finds. Diligently and politely, we offer what assistance we can, but amongst the hubbub we often think what it would have been like to have explored the foreshore in earlier times, before this stunning coastline became a haven for tourists.

Thanks to a new, delightful book by Steve Snowball and Craig Chivers, we have the opportunity to do so.

Front cover of "Jurassic Fossils of the West Dorset Coast"

A time traveller’s guide to fossil hunting on the west Dorset coast. A fantastic collector’s guide written in the form of an Edwardian diary with wonderful illustrations and photographs. Written by renowned fossil hunters and preparators Steve Snowball and Craig Chivers and available from Siri Scientific Press. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

“Jurassic Fossils of the West Dorset Coast – A Time Traveller’s Journal”

The fourth collaboration between devoted fossil hunters Steve Snowball and Craig Chivers takes the form of an Edwardian diary. Imagine finding on the beach at Charmouth an old journal that catalogues the visit of two Edwardian gentlemen to the west Dorset coast at the beginning of the 20th Century. Starting at Seatown and Golden Cap, the two explorers record the geology, the fossil discoveries and the Dorset landscape over a period of eight days, culminating with a trip to Pinhay Bay where the strata records the boundary between the Triassic and the Jurassic.

"Jurassic Fossils of the West Dorset Coast" contents

Photographs of fossil finds plus lots of helpful notes – a time traveller’s guide to the west Dorset coast. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

Illustrations by Andreas Kurpisz

Produced by Siri Scientific Press and with illustrations by Berlin-based artist Andreas Kurpisz, this is a novel and quirky guide to fossil hunting on the west Dorset coast. There is a copious amount of helpful information provided on each location, with notes and lots of photographs of fossils associated with the site. Talented artist Andreas Kurpisz provides colourful illustrations depicting prehistoric scenes – there are even one or two dinosaurs featured.

At around 160 pages long, this is a most informative guide, we particularly enjoyed examining the biostratigraphical maps provided and the accompanying images of strata – all helpfully labelled. Priced as we write at £19.99 plus postage and available from the Siri Scientific Press website this is a welcome and imaginative addition to the plethora of fossil hunting guidebooks that address the amazing geology of the Dorset coast.

"Jurassic Fossils of the West Dorset Coast"

Written in the form of an Edwardian gentleman’s journal, the book is packed with helpful information, fossil hunting tips and wonderful photographs of fossil discoveries. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Bringing the Past to Life

“Jurassic Fossils of the West Dorset Coast – A Time Traveller’s Journal” helps to bring the past to life and provides an echo of a time when the beaches around Lyme Regis were less busy and undoubtedly more productive. However, armed with this guide your chances of finding an incredibly special fossil are greatly enhanced.

The book concludes with our courageous Edwardian explorers coming across evidence of another visitor to the “Jurassic Coast”, this time from the 21st century. The gentlemen have been left notes on how to prepare ammonites for display from a kind-hearted collector from our own time. This device permits the authors to segue into a section of the book that provides helpful tips and advice on modern tools such as air scribes that will assist collectors with fossil preparation.

Visit Siri Scientific Press and use the search word “Jurassic” to find the books about Dorset written by Steve Snowball and Craig Chivers including the excellent “Jurassic Fossils of the West Dorset Coast – A Time Traveller’s Journal”: Siri Scientific Website.

23 01, 2022

New Prehistoric Times Issue 140 Reviewed

By Mike|2024-10-15T16:48:11+01:00January 23rd, 2022|Categories: Adobe CS5, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings, Dinosaur Fans, Magazine Reviews, Main Page|0 Comments

The winter edition (issue 140) of “Prehistoric Times” is a bumper issue with over 60 pages crammed full of articles, features and illustrations. Talented artist Mark Hallett provides the front cover for the magazine, an illustration entitled “Predator’s Moon”. It features a bear-dog (Amphicyon lydekkeri) crunching on some bones. Mark provides a guide to the bear-dogs inside and provides more artwork on these enigmatic mammals.

Collectors of “Prehistoric Times” will recall that Mark also provided the artwork for the front cover of issue 138 (Neanderthal woman).

Prehistoric Times issue 140 (winter 2022) the front cover illustration by Mark Hallett.

Picture credit: Mark Hallett

Neovenator and Megalictis

Phil Hore provides articles for the featured prehistoric animals in this issue. There is a piece on the Lower Cretaceous theropod from England – Neovenator (N. salerii), its inclusion ties in well with the palaeo news section, as lots of British research and English dinosaur discoveries are reported. There is also a special feature on the ferocious North American mustelid Megalictis with lots of reader artwork incorporated into it.

Jon Lavas continues his long-running history of the work of renowned Czech artist Zdeněk Burian. In issue 140, the focus is on Burian’s illustrations of ceratopsians and there are some truly iconic illustrations provided.

Styracosaurus illustration (Burian 1941).

The classical depiction of Styracosaurus albertensis by Burian (1941). The illustration depicts two horned dinosaurs emerging into a clearing. This image has inspired many other artists and box art packaging designers. Picture credit J. R. Lavas.

Picture credit J. R. Lavas

Tracy Lee Ford contributes part 2 of his in-depth analysis of dinosaur integumentary coverings (feathers). It includes a glossary of scientific terms and some beautifully detailed illustrations. On the subject of beautiful illustrations, palaeoartist Emily Willoughby is interviewed and the article includes an array of stunning images depicting feathered dinosaurs.

Randy Knol profiles some of the latest prehistoric animal model releases and magazine editor Mike Fredericks has been kept busy with new models and reviews of the latest books. Take a look at the “Mesozoic Media” section of the magazine, it includes a review of “Dinopedia: A Brief Compendium of Dinosaur Lore” by Tetrapod Zoology author Darren Naish from the University of Southampton.

The review concludes by stating that this book is “highly recommended as a handy reference guide for all your dinosaur questions.”

The front cover of Dinopedia features a horned dinosaur. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

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

Prehistoric Coins, 3-D Printed Dinosaurs and “The Beast of Busco”

The magazine contains an article discussing the history of prehistoric animals depicted on coins written by Brian Novak. Model maker Sean Kotz provides a step-by-step guide to creating a unique Neovenator model from a 3-D print and Matt Howard provides an entertaining account of the giant turtle nicknamed “The Beast of Busco”.

There is some wonderful reader submitted artwork, special mentions to Samuel Pickens and John Sibbick for their Neovenator illustrations, for M. Elliot Massion for the Megalictis grabbing a goose as well as the Neovenator lurking behind a teapot. The Woolly Rhino painting by Jacek Major and the Edmontosaurus annectens by Sergey Krasovskiy are also impressive.

There is a lot to get your teeth into when examining the latest edition of “Prehistoric Times” issue 140. This black and white photograph is from an article that looks at the World’s Fair. Picture credit: Don Glut.

Picture credit: Don Glut

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

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

29 10, 2021

New Prehistoric Times Issue 139 Reviewed

By Mike|2024-07-27T20:02:14+01:00October 29th, 2021|Categories: Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Magazine Reviews, Main Page, Prehistoric Times|0 Comments

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.

Prehistoric Times magazine (issue 139) — The front cover of the next issue of “Prehistoric Times” magazine (issue 139) features a close-up view of the head of the spinosaurid Suchomimus. The artwork is by talented palaeoartist Chuck Egnaczak.

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.

Archaeopteryx fossil cast. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

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.

Stegosaurus stenops threatened by a pair of Antrodemus valens. — *The classic depiction of a Late Jurassic scene by Burian (1950). In issue 139 (autumn/fall 2021), Jon Lavas looks at how Burian depicted 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.

José Bonaparte "El Maestro del Mesozoico". — *José Bonaparte (1928-2020) the “father of Argentinian palaeontology”. A tribute is paid to his decades of work in the Earth Sciences in the latest edition of the magazine Picture credit: Télam*.

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”.

For more information and to subscribe to this magazine: “Prehistoric Times”.

30 09, 2021

A New Dinosaur Book “Dinopedia” by Darren Naish

By Mike|2024-07-02T22:46:37+01:00September 30th, 2021|Categories: Adobe CS5, Book Reviews, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page|0 Comments

Renowned dinosaur expert Darren Naish has produced a pocket guide to all things dinosaur. Entitled “Dinopedia” it’s a reader-friendly compendium packed full of facts about the Dinosauria. It is a handy A-Z updating dinosaur fans and those with a general interest in natural history on the fascinating and ever-changing world of dinosaur research.

The book has the feel of a real labour of love, the author sharing his passion for palaeontology with the general reader. Even the horned dinosaur on the front cover seems to be smiling.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Princeton University Press

Published by Princeton University Press (UK release scheduled for October 5th, American release scheduled for November 30th, 2021), this is another in a long line of publications from this publisher with close links to the academic world. Darren himself is the author of many books, several on the bookshelves of Everything Dinosaur, but “Dinopedia” is a little different.

The hand-drawn illustrations give this compendium a very personal feel, as does the binding which is a figured cloth design, the binding decorated with embossed images and text. It takes the reader back to a simpler time, before the internet and cyberspace when textbooks were the only source of reference.

Subtitled “A Brief Compendium of Dinosaur Lore”, Darren gently guides the reader through the diverse and eclectic world of the Dinosauria. He outlines the different types of dinosaur focusing on the family or subfamily level of taxonomy with only a few specific genera such as Archaeopteryx and Deinonychus having specific entries. After all, these two theropods play an important role in helping to understand how our perceptions about dinosaurs have altered and this is a key theme of this book, the author providing an insight into how our understanding of dinosaur evolution has changed in recent times.

Drawing of a heterodontosaurid dinosaur — *One of the illustrations by Darren Naish for his compendium of dinosaur-themed facts and figures “Dinopedia”. The hand-drawn figures give the book a very personal feel.*

Dinosaurs and Popular Culture

As well as outlining the contribution made to palaeontology by a number of scientists, the author discusses the cultural impact of the Dinosauria. Sandwiched between a reprise on the ornithopod Iguanodon and an explanation of the K-Pg mass extinction event there is an entry dedicated to the film “Jurassic Park” which spawned a whole new generation of dinosaur fans.

The book is an ideal stocking filler for those obsessed with the “terrible lizards”, and we at Everything Dinosaur recommend it. “Dinopedia” would make a wonderful Christmas gift.

For more details about “Dinopedia” and to pre-order/purchase visit: Princeton University Press and search the website for “Dinopedia” or the author “Darren Naish”.

25 09, 2021

New Prehistoric Times Magazine Issue 139

By Mike|2024-07-02T22:20:32+01:00September 25th, 2021|Categories: Adobe CS5, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings, Dinosaur Fans, Magazine Reviews, Main Page|0 Comments

Time to take a sneak peek at the front cover of the forthcoming edition of the quarterly magazine “Prehistoric Times”. It features a close-up view of the head of the African spinosaurid Suchomimus on the front cover.

Team members at Everything Dinosaur are grateful to magazine editor Mike Fredericks for sending us an image of the front cover of the next edition (issue 139) of this popular magazine.

Issue 139 (Fall/Autumn 2021)

As well as Phil Hore’s articles on Suchomimus and placodonts (Henodus), we can look forward to the next instalment of Jon Lavas’s long-running series highlighting the work of the influential Czech artist Zdeněk Burian. In issue 139, the focus will be on Burian’s illustrations of Stegosaurus.

The front cover text hints at an article by the talented polymath Tracy Lee Ford on dinosaur feathers. At this time, team members at Everything Dinosaur do not know whether dinosaur feathers are the subject of his regular “how to draw dinosaurs” feature of if this is an especially commissioned piece focusing on the various integumentary coverings associated with the Dinosauria. The article is bound to be most informative and we look forward to issue 139 dropping through our letter box sometime in the next few weeks.

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

2 09, 2021

Dinosaurs – New Visions of a Lost World

By Mike|2024-07-02T06:54:11+01:00September 2nd, 2021|Categories: Book Reviews, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Photos|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur team members were sent a copy of a new dinosaur book that is due to be published this autumn. The book entitled “Dinosaurs – New Visions of a Lost World” is written by Professor Michael Benton of the School of Earth Sciences at the University of Bristol, a highly respected palaeontologist and author of numerous books about prehistoric animals.

There are over 150 full colour illustrations, including beautiful artwork from renowned palaeoartist Bob Nicholls.

Dinosaurs - Visions of a Lost World book — *Everything Dinosaur has received an inspection copy of a new book written by Professor Michael J. Benton and illustrated by Bob Nicholls.* *Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.*

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Changing Perceptions About the Dinosauria

This stunning publication aims to change perceptions about the Dinosauria. Each chapter focuses on a different prehistoric animal. The book should perhaps be called “Prehistoric Animals – New Visions of a Lost World”. There are many dinosaurs featured – Sinosauropteryx, Anchiornis, Psittacosaurus, Edmontosaurus, however, the book also features the marine reptile Stenopterygius, the Early Cretaceous mammal Eomaia and the spectacular pterosaur Tupandactylus.

Psittacosaurus model in the Bristol Botanic Garden. — Psittacosaurus photographed in the Bristol Botanic Garden. The model was created by Bob Nicholls who is responsible for the majority of the illustrations in the book “Dinosaurs – New Visions of a Lost World”. Picture credit: Jakob Vinther.

Looking Forward to Reviewing “Dinosaurs – New Visions of a Lost World”

Professor Benton examines some of the technological breakthroughs that have shed new light on the world of the dinosaurs. He demonstrates how rapid advances in technology and astonishing new fossil finds have changed our understanding about the Dinosauria. Team members are looking forward to providing a detailed review of this cleverly conceived publication.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur stated:

“We have been looking forward to getting hold of a copy of this book, each chapter examines one particular genus of prehistoric animal and includes a specially commissioned illustration from Bob Nicholls. Professor Benton’s text and the illustrations by Bob Nicholls are a winning combination.”

Visit the user-friendly Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

24 07, 2021

New Prehistoric Times Issue 138 Reviewed

By Mike|2024-05-27T15:21:52+01:00July 24th, 2021|Categories: Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Magazine Reviews, Main Page, Prehistoric Times|0 Comments

The latest edition of “Prehistoric Times” magazine has arrived and once again it is jam-packed with fascinating features, informative articles and lots of amazing reader submitted artwork. The highly respected palaeoartist Mark Hallett has provided the front cover, a piece entitled “Venus of the Steppes” as it features a female Neanderthal and inside the magazine Mark provides an update on Neanderthal research and examines how our perception of our “close cousins” has changed.

"Prehistoric Times" magazine - summer 2021 — *The front cover of “Prehistoric Times” magazine edition 138 (summer 2021). The artwork is entitled “Venus of the Steppes”.*

The in-depth article looks at how Neanderthals hunted, examines evidence of a “Neanderthal culture” in the form of art, ornaments and a belief in an afterlife. Mark also considers the cause of their extinction and reviews their legacy in terms of the genes that parts of the modern human (H. sapiens) population have inherited.

*The famous Chapelle aux Saints Neanderthal skull.*

Tenontosaurus and Plesiosaurus

The featured prehistoric animals in issue 132 are Tenontosaurus and Plesiosaurus. Phil Hore provides plenty of information and the articles include lots of reader submitted artwork. Stand outs for us when it comes to Tenontosaurus include Kurt Miller’s striking Tenontosaurus pair and Diane Ramic’s colourful geometric pastiche. When reading the Plesiosaurus feature, we admired the big-eyed plesiosaur illustration reminiscent of “Nessie” by Anders Bang and the silhouetted plesiosaurs and other Mesozoic marine life depicted by Jacob Micallef.

The talented Tracy Lee Ford focuses on Hypsilophodon (H. foxii) in his regular “How to Draw Dinosaurs” piece. As well as providing detailed views of skeletal anatomy including evidence of an “opposable toe”, he also demonstrates how Hypsilophodon has been depicted over the last 110 years or so, concluding his well-written article with a modern H. foxii life reconstruction.

Burian’s Ornithopods

John Lavas continues his long-running series on the remarkable career of the influential Czech artist Zdeněk Burian. The focus is on the Ornithopoda and some stunning images are reproduced including an illustration of Iguanodon (I. bernissartensis) that may have been the inspiration for how the movie monster “Godzilla” was depicted. In turn, Burian’s iguanodontid artwork may have been influenced by tales from African explorers of “elephant graveyards”.

Burian's Corythosaurus illustration. — *An illustration of Corythosaurus casuarius by Burian. This artwork is featured in the series showcasing the career of the illustrious Czech artist.*

The book “Locked in Time: Animal Behavior Unearthed in 50 Extraordinary Fossils” by chums of Everything Dinosaur Dean Lomax and Bob Nicholls is reviewed by editor Mike Fredericks in the “Mesozoic Media” section and look out for Randy Knol’s update on new prehistoric animal figures. Our thanks to Dr Andreas Forrer for the article recreating the Pleistocene of Germany in his article discussing the remarkable fossil finds associated with the Wipper Valley of Thuringia. The summer edition of “Prehistoric Times” is crammed with lots of interesting articles, features and illustrations.

To subscribe to “Prehistoric Times” magazine: Subscribe!

15 06, 2021

A New Book “The Plesiosaur’s Neck” Sells Well

By Mike|2024-05-27T07:38:30+01:00June 15th, 2021|Categories: Book Reviews, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Main Page|0 Comments

Since its publication last month, the storybook entitled “The Plesiosaur’s Neck” by Dr Adam S. Smith and Jonathan Emmett with splendid illustrations courtesy of Adam Larkum has been selling well.

A Tale of a Neck

This delightful children’s book features Poppy an Albertonectes, a plesiosaur and member of the Elasmosauridae family. Albertonectes once swam in the sea in what is now the Canadian Province of Alberta. This Cretaceous marine reptile had an enormous 7-metre-long neck, which was longer than the rest of its body. It had an amazing 76 cervical vertebrae, more than any other elasmosaurid described to date. Poppy the plesiosaur, as an adult Albertonectes, had the longest neck of any elasmosaur known to science.

Our congratulations to Dr Adam Smith and Jonathan Emmett for putting together such a delightful book that combines palaeontology with such an enjoyable tale. Praise too, to the very talented award-winning illustrator Adam Larkum for his super illustrations.

We are sure that Alfie the ammonite and Bella the belemnite that chime in with comments would approve of all the fabulous reviews this book has received.

It’s a great book that will entertain and enthral young readers from 5 years and upwards.

“The Plesiosaurs Neck” ISBN number 9781912979424 is available now (2021). Published by Uclan Publishing. Priced at £7.99 it can be purchased here: Uclan Publishing.