A History of Dinosaurs in 50 Fossils

by Paul M. Barrett

A beautifully illustrated and definitive crash course on dinosaur fossils, from the Allosaurus that use their teeth and jaws to dismember prey to the Sinosauropteryx specimen that confirmed the existence of feathered dinosaurs

For natural history buffs and Jurassic Park fans

Dinosaurs have captivated the world since Megalosaurus was the first one named in 1824, and A History of Dinosaurs in 50 Fossils features fifty of the most momentous dinosaur findings from the fossil record. From rare fossil embryos that provide a glimpse into the early stage of dinosaur growth and development, to the claw of a Deinonychus , the dinosaur that served as a template for Jurassic Park ’s terrorizing raptors, the book illustrates the enthralling evolutionary history of animals that ruled the Earth for more than 150 million years with 75 full-color illustrations. Each stunning fossil photograph, magnified for optimal detail, includes an entry explaining the importance of the discovery and the fossil’s significance in the larger evolutionary timeline. Themed chapters build off each other to depict a full and incredible story, including content


The book provides insight on what fossils tell us about dinosaur relationships, movement, diet, skin, teeth, and frills, and so much more. A History of Dinosaurs in 50 Fossils compiles centuries’ of the most exciting fossil findings that helped earn dinosaurs an enduring place in the public imagination. This authoritative and visually beautiful book will delight and inspire readers young and old, and help them understand the rise and fall of some of the most amazing creatures to roam Earth.

Genres: Nonfiction, Palaeontology, Dinosaurs

160 pages, Hardcover

Published October 29, 2024

About the author

PAUL M. BARRETT I'm an assistant managing editor and senior feature writer at Bloomberg Businessweek. I've written two other books: American Islam: The Struggle for the Soul of a Religion and The Good Black: A True Story of Race in America. I'm currently writing my 4th book about the fascinating legal battle in Ecuador pitting big oil against indigenous people and campesinos, not to mention a one of a kind American plaintiffs lawyer. Coming from Crown in winter 2014.

I live in Brooklyn with my wife Julie and our excellent dachshund Beau.

Reviews

[Mark Jeffs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good summary of what is understood of dinosaur biology and evolution. Full of enjoyable facts presented in thorough and short essays. Tendency for the essays to diverge away from the fossil being discussed but I can understand why to cover so many topics in a short book.

[The Inquisitive Biologist · Rating 5 out of 5]

A History of Dinosaurs in 50 Fossils combines excellent photography with an up-to-date overview of dinosaur biology in easily digestible essays. Read my full review at https://inquisitivebiologist.com/2024...

[Groucho42 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book perfectly described by the title. Using fossils, the author describes the history of dinosaurs, from the early tiny ones, through the giant ones, and including birds, telling us a lot of interesting things.

[Zach Schab · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun and quick read that gives an excellent introductory/general overview of dinosaurs through the use of specific fossils. It also features wonderful images and illustrations to pair with the information.

[Tim Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you think you know about dinosaurs, you'll learn a lot. Incredibly readable, approachable, and fascinating. The examples are well chosen, and the author is clearly an expert. Loved it through and through.

[Lucydad · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gift for my birthday, I have studied a lot of recent dinosaur books. This one is unusual in its approach showing a lot of fossils, and discussion by groups. I enjoyed it, but wish there were more images of what the animals may have looked like in real life. I learned some new facts.

[Grace 🦕🦖 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of info packed into short essays. Very well done